Residents of the border communities in Foni have reported displacement, disruption of livelihoods, and psychological distress following renewed clashes between the Senegalese Armed Forces and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) in March 2026, with some shells reportedly landing on the Gambian territory.
Displaced families from villages including Jifanga and Kaianga said the fighting, which intensified near The Gambia’s southern border, has affected multiple aspects of daily life, including farming, trade, education, and religious observances during Ramadan.
Victims said the clashes disrupted peaceful coexistence in the area and created fear among residents, particularly children, as artillery exchanges continued over several days.
Kaddy Jerju, one of the affected residents, said the conflict interrupted both agricultural activities and fasting routines.
“I never expected this problem to happen, especially during Ramadan. We are part of the border villages near Casamance, and we have seen shells landing in our community. For that reason, my family fled to Brikama when the fighting started,” she said. “The exchanges began at dawn and continued throughout the day. Initially, I thought it would not escalate, but that was not the case.”
Kaddy added that the situation made it difficult to carry out daily activities, including preparing meals for iftar and tending to crops.
Yusupha Dibba, Chairman of the Village Development Committee, described the situation as disheartening, noting that communities not involved in the conflict had been affected.
“We want the challenges we are facing to be addressed, even if they cannot be completely eliminated. The impact should at least be minimised because destruction has already occurred,” he said. “People fled and left their belongings behind. During Ramadan, residents are worried, hungry, and distressed. We need support to ease our burdens.”
Farmers in the area also reported losses. Ebrima Dibba, a resident of Gifanga, said farming activities had come to a standstill and livestock had either gone missing or died during the clashes.
“Feeding has been difficult, even obtaining food to break our fast. Eid celebrations were disrupted because families were separated,” he said. “Shelling and loud explosions have also affected children’s wellbeing. Many of our goats and cattle are either dead or missing.”
