In a bid to restore peace between the communities of Gunjur and Berending, the Ministry of Lands has convened a meeting in Gunjur to address the ongoing land dispute involving the Jammeh and Darboe Kunda families of Gunjur, and the Sanyang Kunda family of Berending.
Speaking during the meeting, the Alkalo of Gunjur, Dembo Darboe, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders present at the meeting, including the Minister of Lands, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah.
He noted that the gathering aimed to discuss and find a lasting solution to the long-standing land dispute between the affected families.
Mr Darboe commended the proactive efforts of Minister Hamat N.K. Bah in addressing the issue. He further stated that all legal avenues had been exhausted, with favourable judgments obtained by the Jammeh Kunda and Darboe Kunda families, and presented during previous engagements with relevant authorities for review.
The alkalo emphasised that he had consistently advised his community to remain law-abiding, uphold peace and order, and allow authorities to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.
He appealed to the government to take decisive steps to resolve the dispute and restore normalcy between the two communities.
Also speaking at the meeting, Falalo Touray, the chief of Kombo South, highlighted that during his consultations with district alkalolus, he urged them to guide their communities towards peaceful co-existence and respect for the rule of law.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Kombo South remains free from violence and that all communities are protected from intimidation and harassment.
Deputizing the Governor of the West Coast Region, Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi, Deputy Governor of West Coast Region, stated that he was fully aware of the situation and had previously been tasked to organize consultations between the affected communities in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.
He stressed that peace can only be achieved through dialogue and consultation, urging all parties to maintain decorum and unity as families and neighbors.
In his remarks, Hon. Momodou Charreh Gibba, Ward Councillor for Gunjur, also acknowledged the efforts of the Lands Minister in maintaining peace and stability.
He suggested that a clear boundary demarcation between the affected families would be a key step towards resolving the dispute. He expressed optimism that the current intervention would yield positive results.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister of Lands, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, extended his gratitude to his delegation, security personnel, the Governor and the team from the West Coast Region, village authorities, youth leaders and all stakeholders present.
Hon. Bah strongly condemned acts of violence, referencing recent incidents where individuals were attacked with cutlasses and some kidnapped.
He emphasised that such actions are unacceptable and that The Gambia is governed by the rule of law, which must be upheld at all times.
He reiterated that no individual is above the law and assured that the Ministry is fully committed to restoring peace, protecting lives and properties, and ensuring justice is served.
The Land Minister further stated that the government won’t compromise enforcing the law and that all necessary measures will be taken to bring the situation under control.
He urged community members to remain calm and maintain peace, assuring them that the Ministry would soon complete its intervention and restore stability to the affected areas.
