Soldiers of the Senegalese Armed Forces on Thursday, 16th July 2026, stormed the Bullock Military Camp in Foni, West Coast Region of The Gambia, and demolished the fence of the Military Camp. The Senegalese soldiers claimed that the military fence is in their country’s territory. Bullock is located near the Casamance border between The Gambia and Senegal. The Gambian soldiers from the 4th Infantry Battalion stationed in Bullock exercised restraint and did not react violently or forcefully against the Senegalese aggression. The Gambia Government confirmed that our soldiers were instructed to exercise restraint as the matter would be resolved through diplomatic means and not necessarily using force.
BACKGROUND
The Bullock Military Post and other military posts especially those in the Fonis like Sibanor, Kafuta, Kalagi, etc were all established during the time of the former president Yahya Jammeh to tackle cross border crimes, drug trafficking, Senegalese encroachment but more importantly to foil possible attacks on his government by Gambian dissidents living abroad. Jammeh lived in Kanilai village in Foni Kansala District, which is also not far from the border. Soldiers in these military posts are all from the 4th Infantry Battalion, Kanilai.
According to military sources, the operation code named Tiger Watch (given to the Bullock Military Post) may have served its purpose, but it was nothing close to the task it was intended for. No proper security structures, personnel, vehicles and weapons required were in place up to this time. The various military camps lack the above listed necessities to execute its roles. Most of their weapons are mainly AK 47 and few machine guns and the possibility of reinforcements is unlikely to come on time as other posts or camps are grappling with similar problems. During Jammeh he only fortified himself at the State House and Kanilai. The rest of the camps were not resourced and armed as required. This became evident during the impasse because at that time nobody would wait to that point to be given weapons to fight since national interest was not prioritized.
Following the change of government, the current government and the military leadership did little effort to improve the situation. During the time of the former CDS Cham, the various Camps were fenced including Bullock. Currently Yundum Barracks fencing is also being halted.
The idea of continuing the fencing of the camps began in 2024, when residents from Bullock and its surroundings expressed security concerns to the former Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham during one of his tours of the military installations across the country.
However, the fencing project was said to have encroached into Senegal and when the former CDS Cham was informed, he instructed for the construction to be halted until a solution is found. During Cham’s engagements with the Senegalese authorities, he reportedly told them that the fence is already built, and they should just accept it the way it is and move on. Since then, there were negotiations between the two countries at different levels, but the Senegalese were adamant and the former CDS Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham was waiting for clearance to continue the fencing but until his resignation due to corruption allegations and abuse of office, the work was halted. This didn’t work until recently when the Senegalese took this decision to bulldoze the fence. The fence is said to be a 500-perimeter fence, out of which about 200 meters is reported to be part of the Senegalese territory.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE DEMOLITION?
According to military sources, when the Senegalese soldiers first arrived at Bullock, the Gambian soldiers didn’t allow them to demolish the fence, and they returned to their base and came back with Bulldozer and heavy weapons prepared to attack the Gambian soldiers. Then the Senegalese soldiers came back and started demolishing the fence. Shortly before they arrived for the second time, the GAF soldiers on the ground informed the 4BN acting Commander, Major Mbemba Jarjue who was in Kanilai at the time. Major Jarjue came to Bullock and allegedly confronted the Senegalese soldiers. He immediately contacted the Army top brass including the CDS, but he was instructed to ask his men to exercise restraint.
Unfortunately, sources disclosed, the commander of Kanilai Major Jarjue was left with no choice as his bosses were telling him to wait for a decision from the president of the Republic. Timely decision making is paramount in the military. Without good judgement by the commander, it could have led to bloodshed and bigger conflict with Senegal.
PRIOR ALERT AND DISCUSSION ON THIS MATTER
Although the Senegalese military action is unacceptable despite the fact that there is a possibility of encroachment as alleged if established, but they have reportedly taken some steps towards consulting the Gambian authorities at various levels on this border issue and other pertinent issues between the two countries. Here are some of the steps taken in brief:
Firstly, Senegal’s newly appointed Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Oumar Wade, visited The Gambia and had engagements with the former CDS of GAF Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham and also visited President Barrow at the State House in Banjul on 13th May 2026.
During that visit ‘President Barrow emphasised that dialogue and regular consultations are vital to deepening the partnership, given the close historical and cultural bonds shared. The Gambian leader also urged both sides to nurture peaceful neighbourliness, commended progress made on border issues, and called for continued commitment, dedication, and openness.’
Secondly, the President of the Republic of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye also made a day-long working visit to The Gambia on Saturday, 30th May 2026. This was exactly a day after the State House of The Gambia announced the resignation of the former CDS Lt. General Mamat Cham.
During this particular visit, no communiqué was given to the public, instead it was only announced that President Faye is on a day-long working visit in The Gambia, featuring a tête‑à‑tête between the two Heads of State to discuss bilateral cooperation and strengthen Senegalo-Gambian ties. Reliable sources informed LamToro News that the border issue was raised in the discussion.
Thirdly, the 4th session of the Senegalo-Gambia Presidential Council was held from 9th – 12th June 2026 in Dakar, during which the Gambian leader President Barrow and his delegation attended. The next presidential council meeting is scheduled to be held in 2028 in Banjul.
Fourthly, the Border Management Joint Committee of the two countries recently held a meeting in Darsilarmeh which was attended by several members of the committee from the Gambia Government including the current CDS Major General Ousman Gomez who as Deputy CDS at the time.
TIMING OF THE DEMOLITION
Perhaps, this might not be taken into consideration, but it is worth analysing because in governance and politics, everything is possible. Senegal decided to launch a demolition on Bullock Military Post in The Gambia on the eve of the return of their former President Macky Sall to his country after a two-year absence. Although Macky’s return was a short one and purposely meant to seek support officially from Senegalese government in his UN SG bid, but one could analyse it to say, was it a calculated move to launch the demolition exercise on this day in order to cause distraction on Macky’s much anticipated welcome too? Or was it by coincidence?
Considering President Diomaye Faye’s political ambition especially since he parted ways with Ousmane Sonko, his former Prime Minister, a lot has been said about his plans to establish a coalition with Macky’s APR party and others. Whilst some criticises his government, others are still accusing him of betraying Ousmane Sonko and joining forces with Macky Sall.
The reason for this question is that Senegal’s president knew in his calendar that he was going to meet with President Barrow in Sierra Leone on 18th July 2026 at the Ecowas Summit but decided to launch this confrontational demolition on the 16th July before their meeting. Isn’t this interesting? How about if Gambia didn’t exercise restraint and there was firing and bloodshed, will they even have time to attend this summit? How was it going to look like? Only God knows what would have happened! God forbid.
GAMBIA & SENEGAL GOVERNMENTS’ REACTIONS
Both the governments of The Gambia and Senegal have reacted to the demolition. Whilst The Gambia condemned the act, describing it as provocative and disrespectful to our sovereignty, Senegal only mentioned that the border issue and encroachment have not yet been resolved despite several discussions, etc.
BRAVERY OF THE GAMBIAN SOLDIERS
Special commendation to the soldiers of the Gambia Armed Forces for the maturity and professionalism demonstrated during this incident. Their action is no cowardice but a show of discipline, respect for authority and the rule of law. I wish to specifically single out the acting Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion in Kanilai, Major Mbemba Jarjue, and Captain Jerreh Mendy, the commander of Bullock Military Camp for their sense of maturity, leadership, professionalism and bravery demonstrated before the Senegalese soldiers during the demolition. Sources revealed that Major Jarjue confronted the Senegalese soldiers and reminded them of the wrong action they are taking. “He also risked his life and followed them up to their base in Casamance on the other side and came while waiting for orders from the top to know his next move. Indeed, here’s a patriotic citizen who deserves commendation, encouragement and even promotion to a higher rank,” said one of the sources.
OBSERVATION
A soldier, name withheld, said, the reality is that the government doesn’t care about the military. “Imagine how much Senegal spends on defence and it was evident in this operation which was just a fraction of their military. The Gambia army does not even have operational vehicles. Most of the few vehicles are no longer serviceable. Imagine Mauritania gave them vehicles and those vehicles are kept without use in the name of peacekeeping abroad. Before you go for peacekeeping, you should first be able defend yourself,” he stated. The said 15 patrol vehicles were inaugurated on 23rd August 2025 at the State House in Banjul.
An anonymous serving member of GAF said they have asked their camps to provide their trucks to transport recruits to Foni for firing training, leaving them without vehicles to do their duties. “Besides, during the President’s endless tours, the State House will be requesting trucks from GAF leaving their soldiers without transportation to do their job. This is the level of unseriousness we are facing. How can the State House lack the necessary resources to perform its duties? But it is easy to secure vehicles for politics just to stay in power.”
REQUIRED ACTION
Even though negotiations are ongoing, President Barrow should NOT take this incident lightly. He should learn from this incident, invest heavily into the armed forces and seek more military aid and cooperation from developed countries around the world. This will help in getting more support and funding for our country’s Defence budget, provide more sophisticated weapons, vehicles and other necessary gadgets for the military. Additionally, President Barrow should let go the ECOMIG forces and get the Gambia Armed Forces to take full charge of the country’s defence at all levels including State House. He should also recall the Gambian soldier(s) currently on training in Senegal, as a way of protesting against this national embarrassment and disrespect by the Senegalese soldiers.
Another anonymous soldier in GAF told LamToro News that Senegal will not give up on its sovereignty as clearly seen in recent times. ‘So, do we also take the same stance’? he asked. He too believes ECOMIG forces should leave immediately.
“We should start giving our military the resources it deserves, especially hardware. When we have a well-equipped military, it would serve as deterrent to the Senegalese incursions.”
“But having known our equipment status, strength and other critical capabilities, the Senegalese are convinced that we will be easily overrun since they are occupying our State House and other strategic places,” he stated.
“The narrative on social media that our weapons have been destroyed is all false. What was destroyed was expired ammunitions because of hazards they pose in the place they are found. Up to date there are lots of weapons and majority are still at the State House. What we lack, is the platform to employ those weapons and move rabidly. Four-wheel Pick-up vehicles and trucks are not suitable for combat operations. We saw the Senegalese with different kinds of armoured vehicles. If we don’t want to invest in our defence sector appropriately, then it is better we give up on our sovereignty. Remember, Senegal is bordered by 5 countries including The Gambia, so they have more threats than us,” he concluded.
