By Fatou Krubally
President Adama Barrow has announced a breakthrough in diplomatic engagements with Senegal over recent border issues affecting farming communities, with both countries agreeing on measures aimed at restoring normal farming activities in affected areas.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser Ebrima G. Sankareh said the development followed the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, who travelled to Senegal as President Barrow’s Special Envoy to deliver a message to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
According to the statement, the mission focused on border-related issues, particularly those affecting farming communities located along the shared frontier.
It said the Border Commissions of The Gambia and Senegal, together with the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, subsequently held consultations and reached agreements on matters affecting communities in both countries.
The statement noted that President Barrow’s diplomatic engagement and the continued cooperation between the two governments had led to an amicable resolution of the farmland dispute affecting Gambian farmers.
As a result, Gambian farmers have been encouraged to return to their farms and resume agricultural activities while diplomatic engagement between the two countries continues.
The government also urged farmers and members of the public to remain law-abiding and to respect the regulations governing land use and cross-border movement.
According to the statement, the two countries’ Border Commissions, working in collaboration with the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, will continue public sensitisation, border consolidation and reaffirmation activities.
The government said it would continue to keep the public informed of further developments as bilateral engagements progress.
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