Foroyaa has interviewed all sides of the land dispute in the Babylon, Kerewan and Mandinaring area and have reported on their different concerns. Many complainants keep on coming out of desperation to express their concerns that their land dispute is still lingering. What is amazing about this land dispute is that all sides claim that it is delayed action by the authorities that is fueling the conflict. Who then are the authorities? Many cases have been reported at the police station and appeals have been made up to the level of the Inspector General of Police.

The police have effected endless arrests. Detentions have taken place and court actions started, but the problem still remains. The Paramount Chief doubling as District Chief has been interviewed. The Alkalos have been interviewed. The Governor has spoken. The key authorities left are the Minister for Regional Administration and the President of the Republic.

The only person who has powers to order a public enquiry into the matter outside the court system is the President of The Republic who under section 200 subsection (1)

(d) has the following mamdate: "(1) The President may, whenever he or she deems it advisable, issue a Commission appointing one or more Commissioners authorising such Commissioners to inquire into-

(a) the conduct of any public officer;

(b) the conduct of any District Chief or Alkalo;

(c) the conduct or management of any department or authority of the public service or any local government authority or public enterprise; or

(d) any matter whatever arising in The Gambia in which an inquiry would the opinion of the President, be for the public good.

(2 ) The National Assembly may request the President to establish a commission of Inquiry for any of the purposes set out in subsection (1).

(3) Except as may be ordered by the presiding Commissioner in the interest of public morality, public safety or public order, the proceedings of a Commission of Inquiry shall be held in public: Provided that the presiding Commissioner shall be entitled to exclude any particular person or persons for the preservation of order."