Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Secretary General and leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has urged the Senegalese government to reconsider the state of relations between Senegal and The Gambia amid ongoing border negotiations.
In a public appeal directed to the President of Senegal, Darboe asked that Gambian farmers be allowed continued access to farmland while discussions over the disputed boundary proceed.
He emphasised that such cooperation would serve the best interests of both nations, easing tensions and fostering goodwill until a lasting solution is achieved.
Darboe noted that the livelihoods of many Gambians depend on access to these lands, and warned that restricting farmers during negotiations could heighten tensions unnecessarily. He stressed that mutual understanding and restraint are vital in maintaining peace along the border.
“The people of both countries stand to benefit from cooperation rather than confrontation,” Darboe said, adding that a spirit of neighborliness would strengthen ties and pave the way for a durable resolution.
The ongoing border talks remain a sensitive issue, with communities on both sides relying heavily on shared farmland. Darboe’s intervention underscores the importance of dialogue and goodwill in preserving regional stability while diplomats work toward a final settlement.
