Tensions have risen along the Gambia-Senegal border after Senegalese soldiers demolished part of the perimeter wall at the Bullock Military Camp in Foni on 16 July 2026 citing a territorial dispute.
The Bullock Military Camp was constructed during former President Yahya Jammeh’s administration under “Operation Tiger Watch”. The operation was designed to strengthen security and surveillance along the border. However, since Jammeh left office in 2017, Senegal has repeatedly claimed that a portion of the camp lies within Senegalese territory.
According to reports, Senegalese troops arrived at the site on 16 July with heavy machinery and pulled down sections of the camp’s perimeter fence. The demolition sparked concern among residents and has left many Gambians asking about “the whereabouts of the Gambian soldiers at the time of the demolition”.
Sources further allege that Senegal is also claiming part of Darsilameh in Kombo Central as its territory. There are reports that Senegalese authorities are considering demolishing structures in that area, including a school.
The Gambia’s Response:
The Government of The Gambia has expressed “serious concern” over the incident. In a statement, officials described the demolition as “provocative and unacceptable”.
The government emphasised that The Gambia remains committed to resolving the matter through peaceful dialogue and established diplomatic and military channels. Authorities assured citizens that the security situation is “calm and under control” and urged the public to remain peaceful and avoid spreading unverified information as talks continue.
The government also commended the professionalism and restraint of the Gambia Armed Forces, noting that their response helped prevent escalation. Given the decades of cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal, officials said both countries are expected to work towards a peaceful and mutually respectful resolution.
Senegal’s Response
The Senegalese government has also responded to The Gambia’s statement. In a release from the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Senegal reaffirmed its commitment to the “longstanding ties of friendship, good neighborliness and strategic cooperation” between the two nations.
The government of Senegal stated that the area where the incident occurred has been under discussion between the competent authorities of both countries for several years. The government said it has repeatedly raised concerns through diplomatic channels about what it calls “encroachments affecting its territorial integrity”. These involve installations and activities Senegal considers incompatible with the cooperative management of the shared border.
According to the statement, despite sustained discussions and negotiations at various levels, the border issues have not yet led to a “clear commitment towards a lasting resolution”.
Senegalese government said the events of 16 July should be understood within that broader context. The government stressed that the action should not be interpreted as an intention to undermine the sovereignty of The Gambia or damage relations between the two neighbours.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Senegal’s commitment to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue, consultation, and existing bilateral and diplomatic mechanisms.
As discussions continue, both governments face pressure to protect bilateral ties while addressing a border dispute that has resurfaced after years of negotiation.
