By Jankay Kujabi
Residents of Banyaka, including communities in Kunkujang Mariama and Sinchan, are demanding answers following the demolition of 70 properties, an action they say has left many families displaced and in distress.
At a press conference on Saturday, 4 April 2026, community members described the demolitions as unjust and unclear, noting that no legal documentation was presented prior to the operation. According to residents, the demolitions were triggered by a claim from individuals from Jamburr, who assert ownership of the disputed lands, claiming them as part of Jamburr territory.
Affected villagers have questioned the legitimacy of the claim and called on authorities to clarify the legal basis for the demolitions. They emphasized the importance of due process, noting that the sudden destruction of homes and properties has caused significant hardship.
“We see this demolition as something marginalized because the only affected people are those who struggle to make ends meet,” said Lamin Marena, a community representative and son of Foday Marena. He added that the situation has disrupted livelihoods and displaced several families. Marena urged the government and relevant institutions to intervene, stressing the need for transparency, proper documentation, and fair hearings in land disputes.
Peter Mendy, a resident of Kunkujang Mariama whose house was demolished, said he received an eviction notice without attending any tribunal or receiving summon. “The summon was between the people of Marena Kunda in Banyaka and Jamburr, so why was my house included?” Mendy questioned.
Alkalo of Banyaka, Ba Sainey Camara, notes that the case is currently in court. “We want the truth, we want justice, and we want to live in our villages like any other community,” he said, calling on the government to intervene to prevent further unrest.
The demolition, carried out by the Sheriff Division of the High Court in collaboration with the Department of Physical Planning and supported by police officers, followed a judgment delivered in August 2018 by the West Coast Region Tribunal. The ruling concerned a land dispute between Doudou Kah Bojang of Jamburr and Foday Marena of Banyaka.
Concerns have since emerged over the scope of the judgment, measurements applied on the ground, and apparent inconsistencies in the documents used to justify the demolitions. Community members have vowed to continue seeking legal clarification and accountability while urging authorities to prevent further escalation.