By Adama Makasuba
The armed forces of The Gambia and Senegal convened a security meeting in Banjul on Tuesday, July 23, to enhance security and peace at the two countries’ borders. Last year, the two forces signed a security agreement in the Senegalese town of Zinguanzior to strengthen cross-border security. The joint military defense is responsible for conducting joint patrols to maintain peace and order at the borders.
During the meeting, Serign Modou Njie, the Gambian minister of defense, expressed satisfaction with the committee’s work and reaffirmed the two governments’ commitment to promoting peace and stability in both countries. He emphasized the close and friendly relationship between The Gambia and Senegal as development partners, stating that the relationship has developed into a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values and peace convergence on bilateral, democratic, regional, and global issues.
Basiru Saine, the Senegalese deputy ambassador to The Gambia, also expressed similar sentiments, commending the political will of the leadership of both governments. Gambian deputy army chief, Major General Ousman Gomez, highlighted that the committee’s primary purpose was to plan, coordinate, and assess all security challenges affecting both Senegal and The Gambia along the shared maritime and land borders to maintain peace and stability. He noted that the meeting in Zingazior aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two-armed forces and agree on an operational strategy to address security challenges along the common borders.
Similarly, Major General Serign Ndour of the Senegalese armed forces acknowledged the progress made at the security meeting despite facing some difficulties. He emphasized the need to continue the progress and expressed the armed forces’ commitment to partner with peace and security efforts within the two countries.
On July 23, The Gambia and Senegal’s armed forces met in Banjul to enhance border security, following a previous agreement for joint patrols. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and strategic cooperation along their shared borders.
