The residents of Foni are demanding the immediate withdrawal of ECOMIG forces from the region.

The Foni Agency for Rural Development (FARD), a group representing the people of Foni, has demanded that the Barrow government end the presence of all foreign forces including Senegalese soldiers in the region.

The agency’s demands come after a deadly gun battle between Senegalese soldiers and MFDC rebels on The Gambia southern border that left two soldiers dead and nine missing.

FARD secretary general Haruna Badjie said: “The presence of the Senegalese forces in our region since 2018 has in no way given us a feeling of safety but rather makes us feel like objects of suspicion. 

“Our people suffer constant intimidation and harassment whilst our women suffer sexual exploitation and abuse. 

“Furthermore, the ill-placed security checkpoint in Bwiam has caused several accidents yet there is continued indifference about it. We are appalled by the continued occupation of our region by foreign troop.

“As an organisation representing our people, we submit the following to the state: 

“Immediate review of the security posts in Foni and demilitarization of the area. 

“Replacement of the Senegalese soldiers with Gambian security forces, immediately ban all timber exports via the area.

“Deployment of Gambia National Army around the border, Remove the security checkpoint in Bwiam.”

Badjie continued: “The past few days have been moments of sobering reflection as dark clouds of fear,anxiety; pain and trauma hover menacingly over the people of Foni. 

“The Monday 24 January clash between Senegalese ECOMIG soldiers and MFDC rebels within Foni has disrupted the peace and tranquility of our people. 

“The ugly incident has forced many to flee their homes for fear of losing their lives in a war that has nothing to do with them.”

“The incident has us thinking in many directions. Are we a people of a lesser god? Are we not sovereign citizens? Why are we treated differently and finally, why the continuous occupational forces in Foni and if for security reasons – why not have Gambian military or Ghanaians or Nigerian forces in Foni – Why Senegalese forces with the full knowledge that Foni has close proximity with southern Senegal (Casamance) who are sworn enemies with the MFDC rebels,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba