By Assan Bah
Residents of Tanji and Batokunku have offered mixed reactions following the government’s suspension of their Alkalos—Cherno Bojang of Tanji and Jerreh Jatta of Batokunku—over alleged illegal sales of state-owned lands. The suspensions, confirmed by the Ministry of Lands, Local Government and Religious Affairs, are part of a broader government drive to address persistent issues with land administration and unauthorized transactions in the region.
At a press conference held on Thursday, 9th October 2025, Minister Hamat N.K Bah announced the immediate removal of both village heads from office, citing allegations of misusing public resources. The Minister stated that the Governor’s Office has been instructed to secure all official documents and instruments related to the Alkalos’ offices as investigations proceed.
“The Alkalo of Tanji and the Alkalo of Batokunku, who were both warned last year, have been immediately suspended from their duties. We will continue to pursue anyone misusing public resources for personal gain, whether they are local authorities or government officials,” Minister Bah emphasized.
Reactions in Tanji: Surprise and Allegations of Wider Involvement
In Tanji, the news caught many by surprise. Ebrima S. Jallow, chairperson of the Village Development Committee (VDC), stated that he learned about the suspension through social media and was not officially notified. He noted that the VDC is not directly involved in land matters and is unaware of any ongoing land disputes in the community.
Other residents pointed to a more complex situation. One native, speaking anonymously, claimed that most of the controversial lands were part of the coastal TDA (Tourism Development Area) and historically used for farming decades ago. He alleged that private individuals have been developing these lands, sometimes with the help of government officials, not just the Alkalo.
“These people are having lands, not at the TDA but 800 metres after it, and even within the 800 metres there is a hotel. That means these people have it directly from the government because the Alkalo cannot sell at that end,” he said. He further accused the Lands Ministry of acting without thorough on-the-ground investigation.
Efforts to reach the suspended Alkalo of Tanji, Cherno Bojang, were unsuccessful as he declined to comment.
Batokunku: Welcoming the Decision, Calling for Reforms
In contrast, some in Batokunku welcomed the suspension. Muhammed Sillah, Chairperson of the Batokunku VDC, said the action was not surprising, given long-standing disputes over land sales in TDA areas. Sillah noted that the village committee had previously raised concerns about a lack of transparency and the absence of community benefit from land sales.
“The Alkalo has repeatedly sold these lands without notifying the community, often claiming family ownership when confronted,” Sillah alleged. He argued that the suspension was justified but called for stronger mechanisms to prevent future illegal sales and ensure that land-related funds benefit the wider community.
Sillah also highlighted the economic risks for individuals who have bought land that may later be reclaimed by authorities, stressing the need for greater public awareness about land ownership regulations.
Beach Bar Operators Voice Frustration
Local business owners have also been affected. Malang Manneh, a long-time beach bar operator in Batokunku, recounted multiple claims of ownership on his property by both foreign and Gambian investors, all of whom said they purchased the land from the Alkalo. He described threats and attempts to forcibly remove him, incidents only halted after intervention by tourism and land ministry officials.
Bakary Jabang, another beach bar operator, echoed these frustrations, describing repeated confrontations with investors who claim to have bought his land from the village head. “This has caused significant stress as development plans threaten our livelihood and access to the sea,” he said.
Alkalo Responds to Suspension
Jerreh Jatta, the suspended Alkalo of Batokunku, confirmed receipt of his suspension letter from the Governor’s office but declined to discuss its contents. “The letter came from the governor’s office through the District Chief. There is no timeline on the letter. We received it in good faith because that is the decision they made. I have to wait until they finish their investigations, as they said the matter is under investigation. I cannot say anything else for now,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, communities in both Tanji and Batokunku remain divided over the suspensions and the broader issues of land governance. While some see the suspensions as a necessary step towards transparency, others argue that a more comprehensive approach is required—one that holds all parties accountable and safeguards community interests.
