The National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has raised concern over escalating cross-border clashes between Senegalese forces and separatist fighters, warning that the situation is displacing Gambian communities and threatening national sovereignty.

Speaking at the National Assembly under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Gibba said recent confrontations linked to the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance have spilled into Gambian territory, with serious consequences for border communities.

He said villages in Foni Bintang Karani, including Jakine, Kayengha, Kamosorr, Batendeng Ajapineh and Giffangha, have been heavily affected, forcing families to flee to neighbouring communities such as Sibanor, Tampoto and Kabaocorr, while others have sought refuge in parts of Foni Kansala.

“These are not just statistics; these are our people,” Gibba told lawmakers, adding that residents have abandoned their homes, farms and livelihoods in search of safety.

He noted that schools in the affected areas have been shut down and communities were unable to observe Eid al-Fitr due to displacement and insecurity.

The lawmaker called on the government, particularly the National Disaster Management Agency, to urgently provide humanitarian support, including food, shelter and essential services, to those displaced.

Gibba also criticised a recent statement by the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre, which he said wrongly identified affected villages as being in Casamance.

“This is false, misleading and unacceptable,” he said, stressing that the affected communities are Gambian and deserve recognition and protection.

He further revealed that stray bullets from the conflict have entered Gambian territory, damaging property and creating panic in several villages, including Sibanor and surrounding areas.

Describing the situation as a threat to national sovereignty, Gibba urged Adama Barrow to engage his Senegalese counterpart to ensure an immediate de-escalation, while calling on security authorities to prevent further incursions.

“This is a moment that calls for unity, urgency and decisive action,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba