The BBC can speculate whatever they want but the ultimate reality is that The Gambia is a sovereign state that has a right to raise revenue in order to maintain the services of the ferries. Even calling the service charges levied at the ferry crossing a "tariff" is a gross distortion of reality. Tariffs are trade restrictions in the form of fees paid by exporters to the government who is doing the importing. The border problem is not a tariff issue but a sinister design of some manipulative Senegalese unionists out of control.
A border problem shall definitely affect the Gambian re-export trade industry. However, the consequences on Senegal is far more devastating: Imagine the extra gasoline costs, and depreciation of truck engines/ roads which shall push the price of goods/services in the Casamance region thus aggravating more social unrest in an already troubled region. It is definitely to Senegal's best interests to find a quick resolution to their own arrogance.
Ebou
Last-Card <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Gambia acts to end Senegal feud
By James Copnall
BBC News, Abidjan
The Gambia has reduced prices on the ferry across the River Gambia to halt a growing feud with neighbouring Senegal.
The Ports Authority in the tiny West African state said it was cutting the tariffs to mark the start of the Muslim month of Ramadan.
Senegalese transporters have been boycotting the ferry, following a price increase in August.
The move hit hard the economies of the two countries, prompting international diplomatic intervention.
Uneasy relations
More than nine out of 10 Gambians and Senegalese are Muslims and worthy acts are expected during Ramadan.
Another explanation would be that the Gambians have ceded to international pressure.
President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria has proposed a high level meeting in Abuja to sort out the matter.
Anglophone, the Gambia is a thin strip of land that cuts French-speaking Senegal in two.
It has been described by a prominent African historian as "a banana thrust into Senegal's mouth", but the Senegalese have not always seen the traditional value in the relationship with the country they surround.
Senegalese transporters must cross the Gambia if they're to go between the north and south of their country.
When the Gambians doubled the price for the ferry the Senegalese were furious.
They boycotted the Gambia, preferring a long detour through the east of their country along bad roads.
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade mooted a series of solutions, including building a tunnel under the Gambia to avoid future problems.
The Senegalese boycott also hurt the Gambians for whom re-export is a major business.
Senegal and the Gambia share a common history but the relationship between the mutually dependent neighbours is rarely good.
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Gambia acts to end Senegal feud
By James Copnall
BBC News, Abidjan
The Gambia has reduced prices on the ferry across the River Gambia to halt a growing feud with neighbouring Senegal.
The Ports Authority in the tiny West African state said it was cutting the tariffs to mark the start of the Muslim month of Ramadan.
Senegalese transporters have been boycotting the ferry, following a price increase in August.
The move hit hard the economies of the two countries, prompting international diplomatic intervention.
Uneasy relations
More than nine out of 10 Gambians and Senegalese are Muslims and worthy acts are expected during Ramadan.
Another explanation would be that the Gambians have ceded to international pressure.
President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria has proposed a high level meeting in Abuja to sort out the matter.
Anglophone, the Gambia is a thin strip of land that cuts French-speaking Senegal in two.
It has been described by a prominent African historian as "a banana thrust into Senegal's mouth", but the Senegalese have not always seen the traditional value in the relationship with the country they surround.
Senegalese transporters must cross the Gambia if they're to go between the north and south of their country.
When the Gambians doubled the price for the ferry the Senegalese were furious.
They boycotted the Gambia, preferring a long detour through the east of their country along bad roads.
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade mooted a series of solutions, including building a tunnel under the Gambia to avoid future problems.
The Senegalese boycott also hurt the Gambians for whom re-export is a major business.
Senegal and the Gambia share a common history but the relationship between the mutually dependent neighbours is rarely good.
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
LINKS TO MORE AFRICA STORIES
SelectViolent clashes in Nigerian cityDR Congo troops to Uganda borderGambia acts to end Senegal feudSA-India weapons deal 'cancelled'Somali hijack ship 'safe' in portZimbabwe soldiers tell of hungerZimbabwe makes fresh IMF paymentUganda rebels in daylight ambushGabon leader's move angers exilesEgyptian returnee 'faces torture'Group to discuss Africa pledgesDirect Darfur talks amid violenceMass arrests in new Harare blitzEU backs global small arms treatyMoon's shadow moves across EarthRwanda ex-leader's kin on trialMigrants charge Spanish enclaveNigerian drug mules 'on the rise'Somali pirates release two shipsKenya's 'persecuted' MPs set freeA driving force for Senegal's women'Yes, it's good to be king'Can elders grow old with dignity?Why I Hate 'I Love Africa'Send us your pictures of AfricaProgrammes and schedules [input]
SEE ALSO:
Senegal may tunnel under Gambia
21 Sep 05 | Africa
Border shut after soccer clash
09 Jun 03 | Africa
Country profile: The Gambia
11 Aug 05 | Country profiles
Country profile: Senegal
17 Aug 05 | Country profiles
TOP AFRICA STORIES NOW
Violent clashes in Nigerian city
DR Congo troops to Uganda border
Gambia acts to end Senegal feud
SA-India weapons deal 'cancelled'
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