It is an undisputed fact that The Gambia and Senegal are destined to live together harmoniously in view of their cultural and family ties. In essence, theseamless knots between these two countries transcend political boundaries to people-to-people ties.
This makes it all the more important for the leaders of both countries to unite, collaborate and work together, especially in key areas, for the betterment of their respective citizens.
From time immemorial, The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed fruitful bilateral relationship in various areas. This is even manifested in the establishment of the Senegambia Confederation.
Hence your government and the new government of President Faye should collaborate and work earnestly in the interest of both nations.
Mr President, both governments need to review the bilateral pacts between the countries, and these include defence and security as well as agreements in trade, free movement of people and goods, and land and air transport, with the introduction of domestic flights, as soon as possible. There is also a need to revive the Council Meeting between the two countries to be holding alternately in Banjul and Dakar.
Mr President, a senior executive member of the MFDC, Babacar Toure, has dropped threatening remarks. In an audio message on April 4 this year, he directed some remarks at the new government of President Faye, saying: "Since President Faye assumed office, he hasn’t mentioned the nagging conflict between the MFDC and the successive Senegalese governments since 1982 even in his two recent speeches: on April 2nd- his inauguration day, and on April 4th - the National Day of Senegal. We urge the new government to review the agreement between the MFDC and the previous governments."
Toure further threatened the new government that Casamance would go independently as a nation on its own.
Mr President, these threats are a serious cause for concern, as we saw on Saturday some MFDC rebels removing the Senegalese flags and hoisting or replacing them with Casamance flags, which is a threat to the region.
As neighbours, The Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau should come together to prevent or combat any possible rebellion or strife across our frontiers.
It is in the interest of The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal to work together to harmonise their defence and security to protect their people; otherwise, rebellion is imminent in the sub-region.
Finally, Mr President, leaders of the above countries need to collaborate and work together to address issues of national interests. In this day and age, sharing information helps in timely response and action. The West African region is fast becoming a key target by Islamic jihadists and other criminal syndicates, who mostly operate along our porous borders, particularly in the near borders of eastern Senegal and Mali.
In fact, this was one of the concerns that gave rise to the Senegambia Confederation, which underpinned key areas with a particular focus on strengthening security along the borders of The Gambia and Senegal.
Countries therefore need to act fast ahead of criminal gangs, who are always on the look - out to wreak havoc on innocent people.
Good day!