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Momodou
Denmark
11819 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 12:41:44
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MASS EXODUS OF REFUGEES IN THE GAMBIA
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Displaced by the latest Military Offensive in the Cassamance, several people have sought refuge in The Gambia.
A refugee in Sibanor, Kombeh Bojang, narrated that they were waken up by the sound of guns in the early hours of Wednesday morning (16th August).
"I came here without even shoes or piece of cloth. My children too did not bring anything along. All our belongings are in Cassamance," the desperate looking woman said.
She added that her village, Kandong, has been deserted and some of her colleagues have been returning to the area inorder to recover their belongings, including livestock.
Modou Gibba, the Alkalo of Giganga village told this reporter on Friday that it will be difficult for him to confirm the number of refugees in his village. "301 people were registered the first day, 297 people were registered the second day and 36 people the subsequent day," Gibba said, adding that an exercise was carried out by The Gambia's immigration personnels, and therefore he would not know how many refugees are in his village. The Alkalo lamented that even though they are in The Gambia, the conflict has an impact on them. "The Gambia is not at war, but those of us residing along the border are at war because we are affected in a way," Gibba pointed out.
The Village lies next to the border. Some of the houses are in The Gambia and some in the Senegalese side. A garrison comprising ten troops are stationed just few meters from the border. The Alkalo of Kusamai, Alieu Jarjue, said approximately about six hundred people are seeking refuge in his Village. "This type of incidents used to happen, but it is worst this time," Jarjue said.
Yankuba Badjie, who fled from Batending, said he saw Senegalese Soldiers firing shots at the area, noting that he has not seen any rebel fighting with the Senegalese Soldiers.
Modou Jarjue, a resident of Kusamai said he helped in the registration of 853 refuges in his Village alone. He also said that bullets fired Senegalese forces have landed by on Kusamai, but no casualty has been reported. Lamin Camara of Kamoi said that he also registered about 30 refugees under the instruction of the Chief of Foni Brefet. Camara added that they often hear the sounds of shots and helicopters are flying over the area.
Kaddy Colley, who held a baby on her lap said they ran from Kandong to Sibanor, a journey that took them from morning to sunset.
Dembo Jarjue said: "It is very bad. Some of our compatriots are now looting our houses and stores." He added that whatever could not be brought to the border villages will end up in the hands of looters. Jarjue argued that the Senegalese forces are not doing what they are supposed to do. "They said they are not targeting civilians and now they are firing into civilian areas. I saw two sheep killed by bullets at Sewool, which is close to the border," the refugee said.
However, a group of Senegalese Soldiers are stationed just off the border village of Gifanga, where some of the houses are in The Gambia and the rest in Cassamance. A Senegalese Soldier on Friday told Foroyaa that Civilians can return if they wish. "We will not do anything to the Civilians, we are only interested in pursuing the rebels," the Soldier said. He held a rifle in his right hand and a long knife hunging from his side and it was attached to his belt.
Meanwhile, residents of the area have indicated that rebels under the command of Salif Sarjo are in Cassamance. Most of the refugees are under the care of their host who have lamented that they are faced with insufficient food and shelter. Humanitarian aid has reached the area. At one village, a host complained that the Village depends on one well for water, but it does not serve them adequately as eight hundred refugees and five hundred livestock have arrived in the area.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 71/2006, 30-31 August, 2006
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