Guinea-Bissau, Senegal: Guinea-Bissau partially closes border with Senegal, June 19

Guinea-Bissau partially closed its border with Senegal June 19 following communal clashes in Sengal's Kolda Region. The president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, ordered the closure after fighting between two communities in Medina Gounass, Senegal, left one person dead and over 20 injured earlier in the week. Embalo said he ordered the measure to prevent further escalation of violence; security forces are being deployed to enforce the order. The closure will likely impact Guinea-Bissau's Gabu Region. It is unclear how long the border will be closed.

Ground transportation disruptions between Guinea-Bissau and Senegal are possible over the coming days. An increased security presence is also likely at border crossing points, and further violence is possible.

Gabu is located 156 km (97 miles) northeast of Bissau.