President Adama Barrow has assured villagers on The Gambia’s southern border with Senegal of “peace and strong security.”

Barrow’s assurance comes days after MFDC rebels clashed with Senegalese ECOMIG soldiers on the border that left two soldiers dead and nine others missing.

Gambia government spokesman Ebrima G Sankareh said: “Mr. Barrow is particularly touched by the pain and suffering of the people of the satellite villages of Kampant, Kappa, Ballen and Buginga and assures them of his government’s unflinching commitment to ensure lasting peace and security within their communities.

“The people of Foni and the public in general are urged to go on with their normal business as the situation is under control and the Government wishes to assure all that it has no plans to use The Gambia as a launchpad for cross border attacks.” 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba