According to the Gambia’s Red Cross, more than 250 Senegalese citizens fled the fishing village of Sanyang, about 40 kilometers south of Banjul, after clashes between Senegalese and Gambians last week. It all started with the death of a Gambian, stabbed to death on the night of 14 to 15 March by a Senegalese fisherman who tried to rob him. Unrest broke out in the resort. Senegalese authorities are trying to ease tensions.
as reported from Dakar, Charlotte idrac
A dead body, ransacked shops, canoes and a police station burned down, dozens of Senegalese families took refuge in a school in the neighboring town of Batokunku, under the protection of the Gambian police … How did we get there? Bassirou Sène, the Senegalese Ambassador to Banjul, speaks:
“For the first time, we have reached this level of violence. An attempted burglary was stopped by the victim, who was seriously injured. It all started from there. We did not expect that. Senegalese society lives in perfect harmony with the Gambian people. In Sanyang, some have lived there for 50 years! ”
Senegalese citizens return in principle at the end of the week
“Same people”, “fraternal countries” … Senegalese president, Macky saland its Gambian equivalent, Adama barrow, show their closeness at every opportunity. But on the ground, relations are “more complex”, an observer stressed, especially with the Senegalese military presence continuing within the framework of the UN peacekeeping force. ECOWAS.
Ambassador Bassirou Sène warns of the risks of a merger: “I presented the regret of the entire Senegalese nation and asked the people to agree to renew relations and revive the economy. The basis is the economy of fishing. ”
After discussions and awareness to avoid the resurgence of tensions, the Senegalese’s return to Sanyang is expected in principle by Friday 26 March.
.
