By Mustapha Jarju
An intensive patrol was initiated and led by the Gambia Arm Forces (GAF) under the slogan “Woulah Kokon” patrol to the foni Borders. The participants which includes the members of the media and the gallant officers of The Gambia Arm Forces (GAF) visited conflict sensitive areas which include areas where shells landed, affected communities around the border also a side visit to a rebel base which is steps away from Upart, a community in the fonis,
In the course of the patrol , the military personnel recovered 5 big bundles of Cannabis which were indiscriminately placed at various locations by its dealers . The military promised to hand over the recovered cannabis sativa to the narcotic officers .
The commander, Leautnant Colonel Omar Bojang led the media team to the border which is about 150 meters away from the Gambia village Upart and 50meters away from the rebel base.
The building in the picture is a rebel base located at Upart border. According to Colonel Colley , the rebel at Upart border were in Gambian community of Upart interacting with the inhabitants but they are not allowed to enter the community With their ammunition as dictated by interregional laws.
In an interaction with some of the villagers of Upart, they stated that they have strenghen relationship with the rebels that were based near their village without any problem for many years. But since the problem started in early January they found it very difficult to concord with the situation as they are very closed to the border . “We can be victimised at any moment whenever an attack is launch on this rebel camp which is just a stone thrown “said one of the elders of the vilage.
This report has revealed that the UNHCR has provided tent houses to the internally displaced persons in Upart with mattresses which are placed in the middle of the village.
Alkalo of Upart Sulayman Sonko commended the patrol for their swift responds during the tension at the southern region of Casamance, saying they are hopeful this will action of The Gambia Arm Forces (GAF) will no doubly strengthen security at the border .
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