By: Binta Jaiteh Hamat
The Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, has told lawmakers that his ministry is challenged as regards the demarcation of Darsilameh border between the Gambia and Senegal.
Responding to Foni Kansala’s NAM Almamy Gibba, who asked him to explain the challenges faced by the ministry in demarcating the border, Bah said: “The major challenge is to demarcate the border, to know who stops where and who owns what.”
Lamin J. Sanneh, the NAM for Brikama South, asked minister Bah to provide the House an update on the status of the roadmap development in connection to the Darsilameh border demarcation.
Minister Bah responded that the Gambia border commission and Senegal border commission have established a joint border commission to develop a roadmap for joint activities on border management.
“In February 2025, the joint Senegalo-Gambia border commission engaged in a sensitization exercise in the borders of North Bank, Central River and Upper River Region. As part of the activities, the joint commission visited Darsilameh Touba Tranquil border area. The demarcation between The Gambia and Senegal Darsilameh will be carried out once the joint committee has completed their activities,” he revealed.
Brikama South NAM noted that the contentious area at the border remains a buffer, adding that a former permanent secretary was asked to develop a roadmap.
“What stage is the development of the roadmap as per the demarcation?” he asked.
“I am limiting myself to the information that is provided to me. This is a very sensitive issue and the technical committees are working on it. The government desires to resolve the matter,” Minister Bah responded.
“Even though the matter is sensitive, it is also important for the process to be fast-tracked because even last week, there were serious crisis. Without production of the roadmap, the problem will arise.”
The lands minister maintained that the matter is still being worked out and that when the consultation is done, the matter will be addressed.
Sulayman Saho, Central Badibou NAM charged that the Assembly will not be convinced about the seriousness of the government and lands ministry as far as Darsilameh border issue is concerned.
“All the time we receive reports that Senegalese troops enter in the country and if care is not taken, more problem will arise. What type of measures is the government taking? The House needs to be updated,” insisted Saho.
