By Biran Gaye
In a landmark move for West African diplomacy, Senegal and The Gambia have reached a final agreement on the long-contested delimitation of their southern border, officials announced on Wednesday.
The Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, the joint body overseeing bilateral relations, confirmed in a statement that both nations have agreed on a “clear and mutually agreed delimitation” following high-level consultations led by the presidents of both countries.
The announcement comes after years of periodic tension and uncertainty over border demarcation, particularly in the southern regions.
The border tension between the two countries stems from long-standing disputes over its demarcation, as well as security operations related to the conflict in Casamance and various episodes of military incursions.
The situation became particularly tense on Thursday, July 16, when members of the Senegalese armed forces attempted to dismantle a perimeter wall at a Gambian military post located in Bulock, in southwestern Gambia.
Joint reaffirmation and marking of the border will resume August 15, 2026, covering the stretch from Touba Tranquil–Dar Salam to Saré Yoro Guèye–Jahanka.
The agreement underscores both governments’ commitment to “dialogue, consultation, and the spirit of fraternity,” according to the Secretariat’s press release.
The Secretariat lauded Honourable Alieu Njie, Chairman of The Gambia’s National Border Commission, and Major General Cheikh M. L. B. Camara, his Senegalese counterpart, for their role in brokering the deal.
However, the implementation will require sustained commitment from both sides, especially as joint activities to re-mark the border get underway.
Local communities around the shared border will be closely watching to see if promises of fraternity translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
