By Isatou Sarr
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has condemned the reported demolition of part of the perimeter fence at the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) military camp in Bullock, Foni, by Senegalese military personnel, calling for urgent diplomatic engagement between The Gambia and Senegal.
In a statement issued following the incident on 16 July 2026, the UDP said Senegalese military personnel, accompanied by heavy machinery and armed guards, reportedly demolished about 200 metres of the camp’s perimeter fence on the grounds that part of the facility was constructed within Senegalese territory.
The party says it supports the position of the Government of The Gambia that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected at all times.
According to the UDP, any action that undermines these principles is a matter of serious concern and could affect the long-standing relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The party stressed that any border disagreements between The Gambia and Senegal should be addressed through dialogue, mutual respect and established diplomatic channels.
“The decision to undertake a unilateral military-backed demolition was both unnecessary and provocative,” the UDP said, arguing that Senegal should have pursued diplomatic engagement through the dispatch of a special envoy to Banjul.
The opposition party called for border issues to be handled through existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Senegalo-Gambian Joint Commission and other diplomatic frameworks.
It further stated that where bilateral discussions fail to resolve disputes, the matter should be referred to mutually agreed international dispute resolution mechanisms or competent international bodies in line with international law.
The UDP emphasised that military action should never be the preferred option for resolving disagreements between friendly neighbouring states.
The party also commended officers and soldiers of the Gambia Armed Forces stationed at Bullock Military Camp for what it described as professionalism, discipline and restraint during the incident.
It said the decision by the Gambian forces not to escalate the situation helped prevent a potentially dangerous confrontation with possible consequences for both countries and the wider West African region.
The UDP urged the governments of The Gambia and Senegal to immediately engage in high-level diplomatic discussions to resolve the matter peacefully and reaffirm their commitment to peace, cooperation and respect for international law.
The party said the historical relationship between the Gambian and Senegalese peoples, built on shared history, culture, family ties and common aspirations, must be protected through dialogue rather than actions that could create unnecessary tensions.