Senegalese local authorities have reportedly instructed farmers at border points to cease cultivation on land they consider part of Senegalese territory. Foroyaa, a Gambian newspaper, has been receiving reports detailing these directives to farmers, specifically instructing them to stop cultivating portions of land they deemed to be part of Senegalese territory. These multiple reports from the newspaper highlight a growing concern among agricultural communities residing along the frontier. The incidents involve areas deemed by authorities to be within Senegal, impacting agricultural activities near the undemarcated border with The Gambia. These actions have occurred at various locations along the frontier, affecting farmers who have historically cultivated these plots, often for generations. The directives have created uncertainty and hardship for these farming communities, who rely on their land for their livelihoods.
Disputed Land and Locations
The situation has been reported in multiple locations along the border, showing the widespread nature of these directives. Farmers in Sabi and Gambisara, situated in The Gambia's Upper River Region (URR), have been directly affected by these instructions to halt cultivation. Similar directives were issued to farmers in Jahanka, Panchang, Kerr Musa, and Daru, all located in The Gambia's Central River Region (CRR). These areas are near the undemarcated border that Senegal claims as its territory, leading to the current disputes over land use. The reports indicate a widespread application of the directive across various border communities, suggesting a coordinated effort by Senegalese local authorities to assert control over these contested agricultural lands. The impact extends to numerous families whose farming seasons are now in jeopardy.
Demarcation Process and Agreements
The border between Senegal and The Gambia remains to be determined on land, despite an existing agreement on the boundary's depiction on a map. This key detail has been confirmed by official information received from the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, which acknowledges the cartographic understanding between the two nations. However, the physical demarcation on the ground is yet to be completed, leading to ambiguities and disputes such as the current farming halts. A joint Commission is scheduled to begin work on August 15, 2026, to physically demarcate the boundary along the southern flank, extending from Darsilami to Jahanka. This future undertaking aims to provide a clear, undisputed line of separation between the two countries. Once the demarcation process is complete, the resulting agreement, including its technical specifics, must be presented to The Gambian National Assembly for ratification. This step is mandated by section 79 of The Gambian Constitution, ensuring that the agreement receives proper legislative approval. Similarly, Senegal is expected to ratify the agreement in accordance with its own constitutional procedures, solidifying the international understanding of the border. The current issues highlight the urgency of this demarcation process.
Journalistic Investigation Underway
Foroyaa, a prominent Gambian newspaper, plans to investigate the reasons behind directives asking farmers to cease cultivation in border areas. The publication intends to determine why these instructions are being issued while the border between Senegal and The Gambia remains undemarcated and the physical boundary on land is yet to be formally established. The newspaper's investigation aims to shed light on the motivations behind the actions of the Senegalese local authorities and the legal basis, if any, for their directives. This journalistic effort seeks to provide clarity to the affected communities and to inform the public about the complexities of the undemarcated border, especially in light of the scheduled demarcation work.