By Sally fatty
The Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) has on Friday 23rd May 2025 demanded the government to enforce ban of illegal sand mining across the coastal communities.
Muhammad hydra the Secretary General of Gambia environmental alliance said the latest investigation into the illegal mining deal poses significant threat to environmental survival.
“Let it be absolutely clear – is not just about sand but is about our survival, justice and our right to exist on a safe healthy and a protected land.” he said.
He said the coastal communities of Tujereng, Sanyang, Kartong, Brufut and Batokunku are affected by illegal sand mining, and enable by the state.
“Reports has also shown that rice field has turn salty and infertile in kombo south over 60% of farmland in places like tujereng are now affected by that. So let us ask who is accountable. We are not only here to highlight on GACH but any mining company with deep connections is at the center of this exploitation but they are empowered and enable by a system and protected by a government that turns its back on its own people,” said Muhammed hydra.
Fatou Jeng, the Vice President of The Gambia environmental alliance said subsistence farming, has been the main supporter for many farmer folks across the coastal communities.
“in village like Sanyang, Kartong , Sanyang, Brufut and Tujereng women has alway been the backbone of subsistence farming.”. He continued: “The government and the mining companies negotiate deals behind close doors our women are never on the table in community consultation.” she argued.
Mustapha Manneh, a representative of kartong said in 2015 more than 40 people from kartong have been arrested for standing against illegal sand mining.
He urged the government to halt illegal sand mining across the coastal communities.
“What we are demanding is for the government to understand that enough is enough. We are from families. Women pay school fees and take care of the house and they get that because they have farms but now they are all Getting out of their farm land because mining is place.” he concluded.
