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 .