Lamin Jammeh, Chairman of the affected Kabilos in Gunjur
By Buba Gagigo
Residents of Gunjur, including families from Jammeh Kunda, Darboe Kunda, Jatta Kunda, and Jabang Kunda, gathered on Sunday to address an ongoing land dispute with the neighboring village of Berending. At a press conference, local elders expressed their determination to protect what they claim as their rightful land, accusing Berending of unlawful encroachment.
Lamin Jammeh, the Chairman of the affected Kabilos, stated, “If Berending claims they are securing their border and their land, despite the law clearly stating that the land does not belong to them, then what about us—the rightful owners? The government has already declared that the land is ours. If they are defending what isn’t theirs, we have every right to defend what is rightfully ours. We will go there because the land belongs to us, and the government will bear responsibility for any consequences. Their inaction has led to this situation, and if any issues arise, they will be accountable. We are prepared because Berending previously attacked us and took the life of one of our young people. While we do not intend to attack anyone, we cannot simply sit back and allow others to take over our land.”
Tensions between the two communities date back several years. In 2017, Darboe Kabilo’s Alagi Bagiki Darbo filed a lawsuit against Berending’s Sanyang Kunda at the High Court in Banjul, seeking legal recognition of ownership over a contested area known as Saikousutto. The court later dismissed the case. A year later, Lamin Darbo, acting under power of attorney for Darboe Kunda, filed another suit against Sanyang Kunda at the Kombo South District Tribunal in Gunjur. That case, which focused on land referred to as Harram, resulted in a ruling in favor of Darboe Kunda.
Following the ruling, the family secured a writ of possession from the Gambia’s Sheriff Division. But tensions persisted. According to Mr. Jammeh, individuals from Berending continued to encroach on land that belonged to Manjang Kunda and Jatta Kunda, selling portions to private individuals, companies, and real estate agencies without justification.
“The judgment was ruled in favor of the applicant. Following the ruling, the Darboe Kunda family applied for a Writ of Possession at the Sheriff Division of The Gambia, which was subsequently granted.
“The land dispute between Gunjur and Berending initially involved Jammeh Kunda, Darboe Kunda, Manjang Kunda, and Jatta Kunda. The people of Berending encroached on lands they could not rightfully claim, believing the land belonged to no one. They sold parcels to individuals, companies, and estate agencies, including lands belonging to Manjang Kunda and Jatta Kunda—despite not sharing a border with them or having any prior legal disputes,” he explained.
Jammeh identified Buba Drammeh, known as “Amanding,” as a key figure in the ongoing conflict. He accused Drammeh of property destruction and fraudulent land claims.”He is unlawfully claiming ownership of people’s properties and causing destruction. Buba Drammeh was involved in legal battles across more than four different courts. He was arrested and remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison, but it was later reported that he had absconded. He was charged with criminal trespass under Section 285(A) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 10:01, Vol. III, Laws of The Gambia, 2009. Additionally, he was charged with willful damage to property, contrary to Section 312(1) of the same legal code,” he stated.
The dispute has already resulted in tragedy. In a previous clash, one person from Gunjur was killed, prompting the government to establish a task force to investigate the conflict. Authorities instructed both communities to refrain from activities in the disputed area until an official demarcation was completed. Despite these directives, Jammeh claimed that Berending residents continued farming, constructing buildings, and selling properties in the contested zone.
“The task force had advised both parties to avoid the disputed area until the demarcation process is completed. However, the people of Berending continue to farm, build, and sell properties, which is entirely unfair and should not be tolerated.
“Since 2021, the Government of The Gambia established a task force to investigate the issue. The task force completed its work within a month and submitted its report to the president for approval, which was granted. The file was then forwarded to the Ministry of Lands for implementation. Since then, we have consistently engaged the ministry to enforce the task force’s recommendations, but without success. We continue to follow up with them daily,” he explained.
Jammeh vowed that Gunjur’s families would not relinquish their claims. “We have every right to defend our lands,” he said. “These areas belong to the families of Jammeh and Darboe Kunda, and we will never give up.”
The dispute highlights broader issues of land ownership and enforcement in the Gambia, where land conflicts remain a persistent source of tension. As the situation in Gunjur unfolds, all eyes will be on the government’s response to a conflict that, left unresolved, threatens to further destabilize the region.