Senegal - Gambia relations

(Tuesday 05 January 2010 Issue)
It is a welcomed move by the heads of state of The Gambia and Senegal to meet to enhance existing bilateral relations. We hope and pray that this meeting will yield dividends in terms of promoting peace and mutual understanding between the two countries and within the sub region as a whole.

The two heads of state should put emphasis on cooperation in key areas notably security, trade, free movement of people and goods.

In the field of transport, our leaders must ensure that vehicles move freely between the two countries. They should have direct access to our respective capitals and other parts of The Gambia and Senegal.

There should also be smooth unhindered movement of trucks transporting goods from The Gambia to other parts of the sub-region to facilitate the re-export trade on which The Gambia depends so much.

The two heads of state should review all existing bilateral cooperation areas in the interest of the people.

The Senegambia Secretariat should be re-opened to channel all administrative matters and requests between the two countries.

The two countries are obliged to live together harmoniously because of our cultural and family ties. We should have a common understanding and aspiration to move the vision of Senegambia forward in unison.

The Senegambian media should remain committed to promoting peace and harmony between the two states, and must never try to incite trouble by reporting on issues that have the potential to create misunderstanding between the two countries.

There should be regular visits between the two heads of state to further enhance our ties.

Sports and information sharing is also vital and our leaders should also make this part of their deliberations.

The Gambia and Senegal are naturally related, and we must cherish this.

For instance, languages spoken in The Gambia are also spoken in Senegal and we both have Islam and Christianity as our major religions. There are many Senegalese working in The Gambia just like Gambians in Senegal, which all goes to show the unique nature of our relationship.

Lets us remain united for the betterment of our two peoples and Africa as a whole.

"The best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake."

Aristotle