The Gambia is a transit zone for vehicles plying between Northern and Southern Senegal. Drivers of the two countries have been complaining of the numerous charges imposed on them for transporting goods from one area to another. In order to protest against certain charges in transporting goods and people across Gambian territory, transport unionists in Senegal unilaterally took action to block movement of commercial vehicles across the border.
The vice president of The Gambia had earlier met the prime minister of Senegal to discuss Senegalo-Gambian relations, including the border issues. As a follow up, the minister of transport, works and infrastructure of Gambia subsequently visited Senegal to examine the concrete challenges confronting the transport sector.
It is gathered that both sides have acknowledged unofficial charges being imposed which has to be stopped. Both sides have agreed that only official charges should be levied and that instructions have been given to stamp out all unofficial charges. The Foroyaa reporter on covering the border issues has stated that transport now moves freely at the Kerr Ayoub border.
The paper will continue to monitor how far the two countries will go in addressing the border challenges.
