The Gambia government officials including the ministers of defence and interior, army and police chiefs have visited the country’s southern border after a man was allegedly shot by Senegalese soldiers.

Gambian border villagers have been troubled by sporadic fighting between the Senegalese forces and the MFDC rebels for the past years. 

Many have been forced to flee their homes seeking sanctuary in other Gambian villages and towns. 

According to villagers of Kampang, which has been recently affected by the altercation between the two sides, the Senegalese soldiers have been constantly intimidating them. 

They claimed that they do not feel safer and urged the Gambia government to step up effort in ensuring their safety.

Speaking to reporters, Gambian defe minister, Serign Modou Njie, described the site visit as a well conducted tour aimed at bringing a lasting solution to the area. 

“The president directed us that we must visit the corridor and then assess the situation militarily and then also to have the opportunity to interface with communities and then to find out what has been going on. Alhamdulillah we have had the good opportunity to meet with the community members and they’ve briefed us very well, and we have also visited the sites that have been affected,” he said.

For his part, General Mamat O. Cham, chief of defence staff of the Gambia Armed Forces consoled residents of the border villagers.

“We don’t like to see what’s happening here because Gambia and Senegal are good neighbours. We want to ensure peace by doing a joint patrol to avoid trouble in the area,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba