National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has warned that residents of Foni are prepared to defend The Gambia’s territorial integrity if the government fails to adequately address security concerns along the country’s border with Senegal.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, he expressed concern over what he described as weaknesses in border security following recent tensions involving Senegalese soldiers in parts of Foni.

He urged the government to treat the issue with urgency, saying failure to properly secure the country’s borders could have serious consequences for national sovereignty.

The lawmaker said he had previously raised concerns about the situation in the National Assembly.

During an adjournment debate in 2024, he said he questioned the Defence Minister over reports that Gambian soldiers stationed in Darsilameh were restricted from wearing military uniforms or carrying weapons at certain checkpoints due to the prevailing border situation.

Gibba warned that continued inaction could threaten the country’s territorial integrity.

“If the leadership is not serious, we will have a small Gambia that we will regret for the rest of our lives. But I am putting it to you that we are ready to die for our country, defend our territorial integrity,” he said.

The Foni Kansala lawmaker said residents could resort to what he described as “Plan B”, which he said would involve reorganising themselves to protect Foni’s traditional boundaries.

“I am sending the signal to the government that we in Foni will use Plan B, that is, re-strategise and reorganise ourselves to make sure that, traditionally, our borderline will be protected,” he said.

He did not provide details on what the proposed “Plan B” would involve but maintained that the protection of The Gambia’s borders should remain a national priority.

The government has not yet publicly responded to the latest comments.

By Adama Makasuba