The governments of Gambia and Senegal are meeting to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis at their shared border, where truck drivers have immobilized their vehicles in protest against a new tariff and alleged police harassment.
The Gambian government announced on social media on Tuesday that Gambia is represented in the talks by Baboucarr Ismaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, along with Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.
The crisis began when drivers protested a new tariff of 16,000 CFA (approximately $26 USD) imposed for each crossing into Gambian territory.
The drivers are also denouncing the police harassment they face while in Gambia.
This border dispute comes at a time when both countries are working to strengthen bilateral relations.
Following his election as Senegal’s fifth president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his second official visit to The Gambia, pledging to enhance ties between the two nations.
This was followed by a visit from the Gambian foreign minister to Dakar as part of the preparations for the upcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit.
Earlier this month, Gambian Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow also visited Dakar, where he met with Senegalese leaders.
During this visit, both sides committed to working closely on common challenges, including the preservation of the Casamance forest, energy, security, and fisheries.
The outcome of the current negotiations will be crucial in resolving the border crisis and furthering the cooperative efforts between Gambia and Senegal.
Report by Sang Donald Mendy