By Louise Jobe & Mustapha Jallow
Tensions flared along the Gambian-Senegalese border recently as Gambian youths confront Senegalese soldiers over the transportation of goods into Casamance, the southern region of Senegal.
The confrontation, which took place near the village of Tranquil stemmed from long standing frustrations among local transporters, who accused the Senegalese military of heavy-handed enforcement of the law at the border.
Gambian security officials, who later arrived at the scene, downplayed the incident as a border dispute, instead attributing the unrest to illicit trade activities.
“When Senegalese soldiers identified certain fraudulent practices, they responded by setting up a checkpoint,” said a Gambian security officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This move angered the drivers, who protested against what they saw as an attempt to block their livelihoods.”
A local eyewitness, who declined to be named, described the incident as a standoff between Senegalese forces and transporters rather than a geopolitical dispute. “These motorists overcharge passengers and transport goods to Touba and Djoulouloung in Casamance,” he said.
Jammeh, a driver involved in the protest, accused the Senegalese military—referred to locally as the Gendermerie—of routinely seizing goods from Gambian traders. “Every time we try to transport goods, they stop us,” he said. “We want the Senegalese police, not the military, to handle these matters.”
Despite the tense standoff, no injuries or arrests were reported. Pa Badjie, a resident of Tranquil, said the situation de-escalated shortly after the protest.
Repeated attempts to reach Senegalese officials for comment were unsuccessful. The village leader on the Senegalese side, known as the Alkalo of Tranquil, was also unavailable, reportedly residing in Touba.
A Border in Dispute
The clash highlights the broader tensions between Gambia and Senegal over border control and territorial claims. Tranquil, a contested village with a history of disputes, has been a flashpoint for decades, with both countries struggling to reach a definitive agreement on its status.
In July 2023, Gambian President Adama Barrow dispatched a high-level delegation, including the defense and interior ministers, to engage with communities affected by the ongoing border issues. The visit followed multiple diplomatic efforts between the two nations to clarify the demarcation.
Despite these efforts, disputes persist. Some Gambians accuse Senegal of using the uncertainty around Tranquil to expand its territorial influence and strengthen its military presence in the region.
Historical records suggest that the question of Tranquil’s sovereignty dates back to at least 2015, when a local leader in the Senegalese village of Touba claimed that Tranquil and neighboring Bantanyima fell under his jurisdiction. Gambian officials, however, have challenged this assertion, arguing that Tranquil remains Gambian territory.
A 2015 attempt to officially demarcate the area collapsed amid accusations of unfair handling by former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Following the failed talks, Senegalese authorities reportedly sent bulldozers to clear land near Tranquil, demolishing fences and destroying crops, further complicating the dispute.
In the years since, Senegal has established infrastructure in Touba, including schools, clinics, and marketplaces, solidifying its claim. However, no final agreement has been reached on Tranquil’s status, leaving the village and its residents caught in a long-running territorial limbo.
For now, while calm has returned to the border, the underlying tensions remain—fueling uncertainty for those living along this fragile frontier.
