Rongo: President Barrow Receives Letter on Banjulunding Land Dispute

• Gambian artist Rongo wrote to President Adama Barrow regarding a Lamen CDC sign placed on disputed land in Banjulunding.
• The land is part of Rongo's ancestral family's traditional customary lands in Jola Kunda Misranding and is subject to ongoing High Court litigation.
• Rongo claims the sign erroneously indicates Lamen CDC on land within Banjulunding's jurisdiction, not Lamen's.
• He welcomed a presidential road project in the area but urged correction of the sign to prevent further conflict and interference with court proceedings.
• Rongo believes President Barrow respects judicial independence but fears others may be using government or political influence in the matter.

His request for the President to ensure the correction of the Lamen CDC reference is therefore a plea to safeguard the impartiality of the judicial process.

Gambian artist, farmer, and historian Rongo recently brought a significant land dispute to the attention of President Adama Barrow through a letter dated September 18, 2026. Rongo's communication highlighted his concern over a sign bearing the name of the Lamen CDC, which he reported was recently erected on a parcel of land. This specific plot, located within the jurisdiction of Banjulunding, is currently the subject of active litigation before the High Court.

Rongo's letter specifically requested the President's intervention regarding what he termed an "erroneous indication" of Lamen CDC on government-related materials. These materials were placed near the junction adjacent to the airport gate and the Banjulunding Horticultural Garden. He asserted that the land in question forms an integral part of his ancestral family's traditional customary lands, known as Jola Kunda Misranding, which he firmly states falls under Banjulunding's jurisdiction, not Lamen's. The ongoing High Court case involves Rongo himself, along with Bakary Bojang, also known as Babai, and other parties, including the Alkalos of Lamen, Makumbaya, and Kubariko.

While expressing his "most due respect" in addressing the President, Rongo emphasized the problematic nature of the Lamen CDC reference on materials associated with the Republic of The Gambia. He acknowledged and praised the government's efforts in community development, specifically referencing President Barrow's foundation stone ceremony on August 19, 2026, for a proposed road project in the area. This road, intended to benefit communities such as Banjulunding, Kubariko, Makumbaya, Galoya, and Kubuneh, was welcomed by Rongo. However, his core concern remained the misidentification of the land's jurisdiction on these public materials, which he believes could exacerbate existing disputes over ownership and territorial claims. He urged the responsible parties to rectify this error to prevent further conflict and ensure the integrity of the ongoing court proceedings.

The heart of this matter lies in a complex land dispute rooted in ancestral family claims and customary land rights, currently under judicial review at the High Court. Rongo's letter to President Barrow underscores the potential for external, public displays to influence or complicate such sensitive legal proceedings. By asserting that the land is part of Jola Kunda Misranding and falls squarely within Banjulunding's jurisdiction, Rongo directly challenges the implied territorial claim suggested by the Lamen CDC sign.

The ongoing High Court case, involving multiple community leaders like the Alkalos of Lamen, Makumbaya, and Kubariko, highlights the intricate nature of land ownership and jurisdictional boundaries in the region. Rongo further clarified that "CDC" stands for Colonial Development Corporation, a designation he states has no bearing on land ownership, thereby reinforcing his argument that the sign's presence is misleading and factually incorrect in the context of the dispute. This legal battle over traditional customary lands is a critical aspect of the broader issue, with the sign's placement potentially prejudicing the court's eventual decision or creating an impression of official endorsement for one side of the dispute.

Rongo's appeal to President Barrow is framed with a clear understanding of the separation of powers, as he explicitly stated his belief that the President personally harbors no intention to interfere with the ongoing land dispute. He commended President Barrow as a "very peaceful person" who respects the independence of the judiciary and avoids involvement in matters under litigation. This respectful framing, however, is juxtaposed with Rongo's apprehension that other individuals might be leveraging governmental or political influence to affect the outcome of the land dispute.

The artist's concern is that the "unfortunate act" of placing the sign, while perhaps not directly attributable to the President's personal will, could still be a result of undue influence. His request for the President to ensure the correction of the Lamen CDC reference is therefore a plea to safeguard the impartiality of the judicial process. This situation brings to light the critical importance of maintaining judicial independence, particularly in cases involving customary land claims where public displays or official communications can inadvertently, or intentionally, exert pressure on legal proceedings and potentially undermine public trust in the justice system.

Lawyers in The Gambia should monitor how public displays or official communications, like the Lamen CDC sign, can impact ongoing land litigation, particularly in cases involving customary land claims and potential political influence, to advise clients on managing external pressures and preserving judicial independence.

Source: Original reporting based on a local news account.