CLAIM: The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) and the Senegalese Forces that are stationed in Casamance, the southern part of Senegal were reported to be on standoff on Tuesday morning as border crisis between the two neighboring countries continues in Kombo Darsilameh.
SOURCE: THE POINT NEWSPAPER
VERDICT: TRUE
FINDINDS:
An article authored by Momodou Jawo of THE POINT on October 11, 2023, reported that Senegalese troops, described as well-equipped and even including tanks, attempted to enter Gambian territory at Darsilameh. However, the soldiers from the Gambia Armed Forces, currently stationed at the border, refused them entry. https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/standoff-at-darsilameh-border-as-gaf-denies-senegalese-heavily-armed-forces-entry
It has been officially confirmed that the information presented in Momodou Jawo’s article from THE POINT Newspaper is indeed accurate. This confirmation comes directly from Lieutenant Colonel Lamin Sanyang, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of The Gambia Armed Forces. Mr. Sanyang revealed, during an exclusive conversation, that on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the Senegalese military was denied access to Gambian territory by the Gambia Armed Forces. The Senegalese troops explained that they had received information about the arrest of a village leader (Alkalo) from a village believed to be in Senegal by the Gambian police. “We (Gambia Armed Forces) neither know the Alkalo’s name nor the village, but that was the claim the Senegalese soldiers made.” Consequently, they intended to enter Gambian territory to secure the release of the Alkalo.
Lieutenant Colonel Sanyang stated, “We prevented their entry into our country because they had not provided us with prior notification of their intention to enter. While there is an existing agreement between the Gambia Armed Forces and the Senegalese Army for such operations, it is imperative that the host country is informed beforehand. We cannot allow them to enter the country without proper communication and coordination.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reported incident of Senegalese troops attempting to enter Gambian territory at Darsilameh, as detailed by Momodou Jawo of THE POINT NEWSPAPEER on October 11, 2023, has been confirmed as accurate by Lieutenant Colonel Lamin Sanyang, the Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Armed Forces. The Senegalese soldiers sought entry to secure the release of an Alkalo from a village believed to be in Senegal, who they said was arrested by the Gambian police. However, the Gambia Armed Forces denied their entry due to the lack of prior notification and emphasized the importance of proper communication and coordination between the two countries, as required by existing agreements.
By: Momodou Dibba
Researcher
