The Sukuta Village Development Committee, alongside local residents, has made an urgent appeal to the Gambian government to immediately cease all clearing activities in the Salagi Forest.

This call to action follows alarming reports that a private company has begun deforesting sections of the forest for basalt dumping and sale, triggering significant outrage among community members.

Residents express serious concerns about the potential environmental and economic consequences of the ongoing deforestation. The Salagi Forest is not only a crucial natural resource but also a vital ecosystem that supports local biodiversity and provides essential water resources for the Greater Banjul Area.

Community leaders emphasise that the forest is deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural heritage and that the current project has proceeded without necessary transparency or public consultation.

The Sukuta community has united in its stance against the clearing, outlining key demands: an immediate halt to all clearing activities, engagement with local stakeholders for open dialogue regarding the future of the area, and a commitment to sustainable development practices that safeguard natural resources for future generations.

 “We are not just fighting for ourselves but for the generations to come,” the committee said, adding the residents are calling on the government to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and the environment, emphasising that their voices must be heard in decisions that affect their lives.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba