The decades-long land dispute between Berending and the Darboe, Jammeh, Manjang, and Jatta Kunda clans of Gunjur has resurfaced with heightened tensions following a recent press conference held in Berending and a subsequent response from affected clans in Gunjur.
At the Berending press conference, Ousman K. Jammeh, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Berending Village Development Committee (VDC), asserted that the dispute involves only specific individuals from Gunjur Darboe Kunda, rather than the entire Gunjur community. He further claimed that Berending had won three separate court cases regarding the contested land and stated that the land was originally allocated to Berending by Kartong, dismissing claims of ownership by Gunjur Darboe Kunda clan.
However, these assertions were swiftly rejected by Lamin Jammeh (Mbakau), who cited multiple legal rulings in favor of both the Jammeh and Darboe Kunda clans at regional courts and the highest judicial level in the country. He also referenced a recent government-commissioned task force report that recommended demarcating the border in accordance with these rulings.
Despite the government task force’s recommendations and an embargo placed on the disputed land, Lamin Jammeh accused Berending of continuing to sell plots in the contested area. Speaking at a press briefing in Gunjur on Sunday, he expressed frustration over the lack of implementation of the task force’s findings:
“We are very concerned that a number of the task force’s recommendations are still not implemented despite several follow-up trips to the relevant government institutions. Despite the government’s directive for both parties to refrain from tampering with the disputed land, Berending is actually selling plots from the land. We don’t know how they are getting the documents.”
Lamin Jammeh also highlighted the slow response from the Ministry of Lands, noting that while officials had previously cited funding constraints, they had recently promised progress by February, but yet no action has been taken.
The situation is further inflamed by Berending’s slogan, “Old border or no border” and threats from Berending to defend the disputed land at any cost. Responding to these threats, Lamin Jammeh warned of potential escalation:
“We are telling them that the land in question belongs to us. That is what the government accepts, and that is what the law says. These people attacked us and killed one of our people. We are still distressed by that, and so we will not sit and allow people to deal with our properties any way they want. Let government act to avoid tension. Let them address the smoke before it turns into fire”
The conflict has a tragic history. In 2021, tensions erupted when Buba Jammeh from Gunjur was shot and killed by fugitive Buba Drammeh while working on his land in the disputed area. His killing led to heightened hostilities and threats of violence between the two communities.
With emotions running high and tensions at a breaking point, calls for urgent government intervention are growing.
Speaking on behalf of the affected clans, Lamin Jammeh urged authorities to enforce the task force recommendations, halt illegal land sales, and ensure that Berending adheres to the embargo. Without decisive action, the risk of further violence looms large, threatening not just the communities involved but the broader stability of the region.
However, in contrast to the growing tensions, Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur has called for calm and restraint. Speaking at the press briefing, he urged all parties to allow the government to handle the matter through legal and administrative channels:
“Let no one take the law into his hands. Let us wait for the government to address our grievances”
Darboe also expressed concern over the delay in implementing the task force report, which seeks to permanently demarcate the disputed border.
His words: “The delay is causing uncertainties for my people. That is why they convened this press conference to remind the government to do the needful to avoid further escalation”
As both sides dig in their positions, the lack of swift government intervention risks further conflict. While some community leaders from both sides urge patience, others warn that continued inaction could lead to renewed violence. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this dispute will be peacefully resolved or escalate into another tragic confrontation.
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