By Lamin Njie
President Adama Barrow on Sunday called on the people of Gunjur and the people of Berending to exercise maximum restraint and calm.
Violence between the two communities over land has entered a second day despite the deployment of security forces.
The clashes which began on Saturday has seen the death of at least one person. Buba Jammeh was allegedly shot during the clashes.
The government of President Barrow has come under criticism over its handling of land desputes in the country.
But the presidency in a statement signed by press secretary Amie Bojang Sissoho on Sunday said “reports of rising tensions and violence coming out of Kombo South between the communities of Gunjur and Berending is very disturbing.”
It said: “His Excellency, President Adama Barrow is concerned and closely monitoring the situation.
“President Barrow is advising both sides to exercise maximum restraint and calm. He equally calls on the two communities to allow local authorities and the deployed law enforcement agencies to do their jobs.
“The president urges people not to take the law into their own hands, especially on matters of land ownership. The government has instituted a Land Commission, where all matters relating to land issues should be addressed.”
