Editorial: Gambia — Are We Becoming Indifferent as a People?

In the past few weeks, images and reports of dead vultures have become an unsettling trend. What began in Gunjur, where dozens of vultures were found lifeless, has now been echoed in Brufut, and earlier today, in Somita village, where the discovery was even more disturbing: vultures found dead with their heads severed.

Vultures found with severed heads in Somita Village earlier on Thursday

These are not random incidents. They represent a growing pattern of cruelty and environmental neglect that should alarm every Gambian. Vultures, often misunderstood and overlooked, are a vital part of our ecosystem. Their role in consuming carcasses helps prevent the spread of diseases and supports the natural balance of our environment. Their disappearance is not only a blow to biodiversity but a public health risk in waiting.

So the question must be asked: Are we becoming indifferent as a people?

Why has this cruelty continued unchecked? Why has there been no strong statement from our environmental agencies, no visible investigations, no public outcry? These are endangered species. Their slaughter, whether for ritual, trade, or senseless cruelty is not just morally reprehensible but legally punishable.

These dead vultures were beheaded in Somita Vilage on Thursday 7th August 2025

We must move beyond passive concern. Wildlife protection is not a niche issue for conservationists, it is a national responsibility. Every Gambian has a stake in protecting the natural heritage we’ve been entrusted with. If we cannot safeguard creatures as essential and endangered as vultures, what does that say about our broader attitude toward the environment, toward life?

Gunjur Online calls on the relevant authorities — the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, local councils, law enforcement, and the Ministry of Environment to investigate these killings urgently. We also call on communities to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity relating to wildlife.

Severed heads of vultures in Somita Village

Indifference is no longer an option. If we allow this brutality to continue in silence, we risk losing more than just birds, we risk losing part of our humanity.

We urge every Gambian, from village leaders to youth groups, from religious figures to environmental advocates to take a stand.

• If you witness suspicious activity involving wildlife, report it immediately to the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management or the nearest police station.

• Speak out in your communities, mosques, bantabas, and schools. Let the message be clear: killing vultures or any protected wildlife is illegal and unacceptable.

• Support local conservation efforts and engage in community awareness. Knowledge is our first line of defense.

• Hold our institutions accountable. Demand timely investigations and action from the relevant authorities.

This is not just about vultures. It is about who we are as a people, and what kind of future we want to leave behind. Let us act, speak, and protect before it is too late.