These two countries are inseparable in view of social, ethnic and religious ties despite attempts by colonial masters to do so. In other words, the relations between the two countries are intertwined.
This goes to show the strong bond and interconnection that continue to define us as Senegambians. It is said that there is no Gambian, that doesn’t have a relative in Senegal and vice versa.
This alone goes to show the uniqueness and the extent of ties that bind the two countries. From local cuisines, cultures, social events and languages, the two countries share many in common and there is even more to that.
Mr. President, it is high time for the leaders of the two countries start introducing domestic flights that will ply between Banjul and Dakar. This would not only be a wise move, but one towards the realisation of the much talked about sub-regional integration.
It is true that people face numerous challenges especially during emergencies when it comes to air travel. The air tickets are expensive and most of the times people are left with no option, but to foot this exorbitant ticket prices despite harsh economic realities.
Looking at the distance in terms of air travel from Banjul to Dakar, it’s less than 30 minutes. However, the price of an air ticket for those plying the route currently is about D21,385. The current price is not only exorbitant, but leaves much to be desired in the face of harsh economic challenges. Introducing domestic flights will greatly help reduce the current air tickets, while encouraging more people to start prioritising the domestic air sector.
By introducing domestic flights between the two countries, it will not only boost tourism but even trade ties just to name a few. In terms of economic opportunities, the two countries stand a better chance to exploit its natural resources for the benefit of their citizens. For instance, in the area of agriculture, the existing abundant arable land available in both countries, when harnessed fully, can feed the entire Senegambia region.
Mr. President, free movement of people, goods and services is sacrosanct in any development. And for us to develop as Senegambians, we need to harness and exploit this sector for the greater good of the people of the two countries by addressing trade obstacles. Also, it is high time African countries realise that it is only by promoting intra-Africa trade that they are able to know the true value of their resources. In fact this is part of the broader initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which came into force on May 30th, 2019 by a good number of countries that had ratified it by that date. In view of its importance, the two countries should promote this sector and utilise the opportunities that come with it.
Mr. President, security is indispensable and critical in any country’s development. Thus, the two countries should work tirelessly and cooperate especially when it comes to security matters. This will not only help ensure stability, but would also discourage militancy, insurgency and even jihadist mentality that are greatly affecting some of our neighbours in the sub-region.
Let’s remember that Senegambia, which lies on the Sahel corridor, is free from such militant attacks.
In doing such, frequent porous border patrols and sharing of best security practices would greatly help the two countries eradicate this growing security insurgency, affecting some of our neighbours.
Mr. President, the war on drugs is a continuing battle and it is a battle worth waging? Illicit drug abuse tears the fabric of any decent society. And the majority of those involved in illicit drug abuse are the youths, who are the future leaders of the country.
It is a fact that drug trafficking is a threat to peace and national security, and as such, the two governments should intensify their war against this menace. Unfortunately, our sub-region as in the past is becoming an ideal hub for South American drug cartels, to transit their consignment destined for the European markets. This has not only posed threat to peace and security, but also exposed communities especially those on the coast to the menace of illicit drug abuse.
Another issue worth fighting is the increasing trafficking of fake drugs or simply banned medicines, which are now in circulation in some local markets. Fake drugs are a threat to the health and wellbeing of people. Most of these fake drugs have negative impact on society, excluding the financial implications it causes to people.
Mr. President, it is important for the leaders of the two countries to meet regularly to discuss issues of concerns and share best practices as well as challenges affecting the two countries.
This forum, twice a year at the executive level, would greatly help the two leaders in better governing and delivering to their respective citizens.
Finally Mr. President, there is a need to beef-up operations at the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, so as to channel complaints, plans and how together they can promote sports, Trade , transit trade, culture and information.
Good day!