Mustapha Jallow
Mama Jatta, the president of Senegalo-Gambia National Development on Sunday called on the heads of state of Senegal and The Gambia to empower the joint associations to ensure the free movement of goods and people between the two countries.
“If the relationship between the two is smooth — then it makes work easy for both countries and their citizens. So, we are calling on both authorities to empower us to ensure the movements are smooth for all of us ,’’ she said.
Jatta made this call during a discussion in Latrikunda Sabiji where a committee was set up to help guide the association to operate effectively and efficiently.
The discussion, themed “For Proving Peace between the Gambia and Senegal: Business, Transportation, Health, and Security,” brought together representatives from Senegalese and Gambian associations. These groups work as a united body to promote the welfare and development of both nations.
Senegalo-Gambia association comprises different associations such as Senegalese and Gambian associations in the Gambia to promote the welfare and development of the two counties.
She acknowledged the leadership issues that have been hampering their work. However, she hopes that with the new committee, there will be a difference.
“We aim to have a smooth relationship between the two nations. We take goods from Senegal and they also take from us, The Gambia, we need each other to make work easy for all of us,’’ she added.
Neneh Jallow, the president of the Federation Association de Senegalese in the Gambia, explained the strong bond between their associations, saying that the associations usually participate in discussions relating to border tension between The Gambia and Senegal.
“We participate in discussing a lot of issues related to tensions at the borders. And we also want to expand it across the region to ensure the relationship of both countries remains smooth,” Jallow added.
“We also focused on the welfare of Senegalese citizens, particularly families who find it difficult to make ends meet, pay school fees, etc.”
He asked both governments and business people to support them, as the association is facing financial issues.
“We want to support women, those in gardening, tailoring, and other sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, in 2024, a bilateral discussion between Senegal and the Gambia was held in Dakar, which marks a significant step in resolving the longstanding border issues between the two nations.
