Senegambia: The Need for Closer Integration as Opposed to Needless Border Closures

For almost two months now, the borders between Gambia and Senegal remain shut, resulting in the struggle of many a person whose livelihoods largely depends on the routes linking the two neighbouring countries. It all started when transporters began boycotting the popular Trans-Gambia route leading to the Southern Senegalese Region of Cassamance due to apparent ferry tariff hikes. Soon afterwards, other border posts between the two countries follow suit severely hampering the free movement of people and goods.

In addition to loss of revenue, the consequence of the border closure is negatively impacting people’s daily lives in both countries. Petty traders on both side of the border virtually ceased trading as they only see a fraction of customers on a daily basis. Prices of basic commodities imported from Senegal to the Gambia are scarce, therefore more expensive nowadays. Also travellers who used to ply the Trans-Gambia are now facing nightmare journeys having to spend more and more time on the roads, meaning higher travel cost.

Photo source: UNECA

Meanwhile, with all the troubles ordinary Senegambians are enduring, both the Gambian and Senegalese governments continue to be tight-lipped on the matter. There is no single official statement from either party since this unfortunate situation began over six weeks ago. The only rhetoric regarding this mess have so far come from the Senegalese Transport Union who unfortunately, advocates for the continued closure of the borders.

However, there are unconfirmed reports that a Gambian delegation visited Senegal last week to work out modalities of reopening the borders. Unfortunately the would-be dialogue was called off by the Senegalese authorities who apparently referred the Gambian delegation to the country’s Transport Union instead. If this reports are true, then it is very irresponsible of the Senegalese government whose President happened to be the current chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

If the Gambia government who are gravely accused of initiating this unwanted situation, try to reach out for their Senegalese counterpart in order to find a solution to the problem, they ought to be accommodated with some dignity as a sovereign state, not to be redirected to negotiate with a Trade Union. Just to reiterate one of the fundamental principles of ECOWAS which calls for; “peaceful settlement of disputes among Member States, active Co-operation between neighbouring countries and promotion of a peaceful environment as a prerequisite for economic development”

Therefore the two governments must put aside whatever difference they might harbour and work towards closer integration which is paramount to the economic success of both countries, needless to say. If you are using the borders to settle your scores, please understand that the ordinary people you represent will continue to be the only losers. Governments come and go but the people of Senegambia will forever remain tight-knit. So not only are we asking for the reopening of the borders, but for all restrictions regarding free movement of people, goods and services to be lifted between the countries forever.