Posted by By Binta Senghore
Officers of the Gambia Armed Forces have on Saturday patrolled the border villages in Foni together with the media.
The purpose of the visit was to get first hand info of the situation of the villagers . The soldiers headed by Lt. Col. Omar B. Bojang reassured the residents of the border villages of their security.
It would recalled that since 24 January 2022,
clashes errupt between the MFDC rebels and the Senegalese soldiers. This resulted to many families being displaced and lived in fear.
The visit of the Armed Forces was highly appreciated as there was excitement among the residents.
Speaking to reporters Ebrima Bojang, the Alkalo of Ballen said his people who fled the village are all now returning back. He added that they now have confidence as the armed forces are providing the needed security.
“Today we thank the almighty Allah and the army patrol team headed by Lt. Colonel Omar B Bojang for their timely intervention. They have been with us since from the starts”
Sariba Nyassi, a resident of Baipul village said they are hoping to get back to their normal business, while calling for support as the conflict causes them economic losses.
Modou Badjie, Alkalo of Gifanga village said the conflict affected their daily activities, but with the support of the army nothing happened to them.
“Now for more than two weeks there was no sound of shells and the people ate back to their villages. I was feeding ten families but they have now gone back to their village ”
Assuring the people of Foni, colonel Bojang said people can go about their normal business, confirming that the place is calm.
Life is back to normal in the village, colonel Bojang emphasized.
Notwithstanding the security assurance of the military, reporters could confirm the destruction caused by the conflict as farms were burned, animals taken and properties destroyed.
Residents are still pleading for support from government and individuals. They are also appealing for the government to set a military camp at the border to maintain stability .
They also thanked the Gambia Armed Forces for their tireless support during the conflict.