Africa-Press – Gambia. Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice {EFSCRJ} has called on the Government of The Gambia to break the silence and officially response regarding the on-going controversy surrounding the Tanji Bird Reserve Saga.
The demand observes in an investigative report published by Malagen on July 28, 2025 which revealed details of the Tanji Bird Reserve. The report implicated high profile individuals including lawyer and politician Essa Faal, Senegalese businessman Kalilou Wague and a Gambia-based Indian businessman, Nandkishore Rajwani.
In a statement issued out recently, EFSCRJ criticized the lack of respond from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Land the Minisrty of Environment the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard).
“Yet the story raised pertinent issues and concerns that border on the Government’s domestic and international obligations to the preservation and protection of the environment. The story highlights how Tanji Bird Reserve continues to face threats since 2012 when Dictator Yaya Jammeh first occupied 25 hectares of it and then sold parts of it to both domestic and foreign interests and individuals.”
Calling the situation precarious EFSCRJ urged President Adama Barrow and the relevant ministries to publicly clarify the current state of the Tanji Bird Reserve.
“The Gambia government owes citizens the truth about how it is managing public resources. It is clear from the Malagen story that Tanji Bird Reserve continues to face threats for which silence is not an option. The Tanji Bird Reserve has been a protected area since 1993,” it stated. “In 1995 attempts were made by the Department of Parks and Wildlife to properly demarcate the area without success only for Dictator Jammeh to invade it in 2012. Following the fall of the dictatorship, the Janneh Commission declared the actions of Jammeh unlawful and recommended the bird reserve be restored to the Department of Parks and Wildlife,” it added.
EFSCRJ pointed out that Gambia Tourism Board proceeded to allocate plots to business and individuals for illegal gains
“The National Land Policy 2025 has categorically provided that the Government will uphold environmental management principles and take measures to encourage the development of wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves and involve local communities and individuals neighbouring parks and protected areas in the co-management of protected areas.”
The group condemned what it described as poor track record of the GTBoard
“It is sad to note that GTBoard, and the ministries responsible for the Environment, Lands and Tourism are notorious for allowing encroachments on protected lands, forests, wetlands, and cultural sites which constitute our collective heritage. We demand an immediate and total halt to these malpractices and call on the Government to ensure the full enforcement of environmental laws and policies,” the statement concluded.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
