The Gambia government has told Gambian farmers along the disputed border with Senegal who have been recently turned away by Senegalese soldiers to return to work and continue with their farming activities as the situation has been “amicably resolved amid continuing diplomacy”.
A statement released by the government spokesman yesterday informed that the breakthrough came after “President Barrow’s diplomatic overtures and his government’s engagement with our sister republic of Senegal on the farmland issues affecting Gambian farmers within the borders”.
The statement added: “Following the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Mr Sering Modou Njie as President Barrow’s special envoy to Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the border issues, particularly those affecting peripheral farming communities, the two countries’ Border Commissions and the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat met and had fruitful deliberations affecting our two peoples…
“Accordingly, Gambian farmers, and members of the public are also, reminded to remain law-abiding at all times, and to respect the rules that guide the use of land and movement across the border. Meanwhile, the two Border Commissions, in collaboration with the Permanent Secretariat, will continue their sensitisation, border consolidation, and reaffirmation efforts.”