OPINION
PEACE TALK ON BORDER IMPASE : SIGNALS TO WADE & JAMMEH
By Yero Jallow



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October 20, 2005
Following the long border impasse between the Gambia and Senegal, let us
put things into the right perspective now and offer hopeful solutions. In
the first place, this is really unfortunate and the problem should have
never happened in the first place. Two sister countries, like the Gambia
and Senegal, that share all things in common should never allow themselves
to be trapped in such situations.

If not for colonial division by the British and French, in which they
succeeded in leaving their remains-what else is an identifier to show
difference between the two nations.

With the peace talks on the way on Thursday, where Jammeh is Meeting Wade
on a well chaired meeting in Dakar by Nigerian head of state Obasanjo, it
is also a duty upon all to offer them hints on possible solutions.

PROBLEM :

Border standoff between the Gambia and Senegal. The Gambia Ports authority
Department of the Gambia Gov't increased their tariffs, notably the
Yelli-Tenda/Bamba-Tenda ferry crossing. This route happened to be used by
a lot of Senegalese and other nationals. Senegal in turn , have taken to
reciprocal situation by demonstrating for the sudden increase, and causing
real trouble-stopping cars, trucks and transporters at the border.

OBSERVATION :In Observation, we find both governments irresponsible and
lacken in good ways to end the impasse. Where Jammeh is centred on saying
the Gambia is a sovereign nation and can take any decision at will, Wade
is stocked on blaming Colonial powers. Although, they are all partially
right, still there are unanswered questions: How can The Gambia government
have a sudden increase in tariffs without a case test and consent to the
majority clients (Senegal) ? How can Wade not, in the interest of his
nation call for a dialogue ? The failure to do so, made it clear of their
unflinching selfishness and commitment to restore normal life. Two
commander in chiefs that failed their followers in another instance.

What is certain , both Wade and Jammeh have some undisclosed issues
between them. The case reported in the media at a time, where Jammeh
labelled Hamat Bah of upper saloum as a spy for the Wade administration
need to be fully investigated. Gambians and Senegalese become equal to
these two individuals, once they allow themselves to be taken by ill will
and selfishness. While most Senegalese have pinned Jammeh on being on the
side of the cassamance rebels, where it is widely believed he hailed from,
that could be another angle to dig this matter from. It is also known that
most Gambian exiles live in Dakar, one such a fellow is Former SB Sabally,
who up til now is constantly mentioned by Jammeh's big prayer beads.

Along side the above observations, we have also lived to see the following.

1. The Gambia lost a lot of revenue during this time period.

2. Senegal lost a lot of revenue generated by transporters from Guinea and
other countries that via route Senegal.

2. Both Gambians and Senegalese transporters have been disrupted.

3. The life of ordinary Gambians have been tampered with.

4.Fear being the order of the day, as to what could lead to war between
sisterly countries like the Gambia and Senegal.

5. It also gave birth to differences that will not foster unity now and
later.

SOLUTIONS :Now that the problem happened, what would be an everlasting
solution for this hated problem ? The two countries share a lot in common,
and every effort must be done so that relationship between the two
countries is not jeopardised. Among the many suggestions at hand, i have
the following to offer , which might be a start to the healing process.

1.Life resume normal between the two countries.

2.Tariffs should remain what they were before the border impasse.

3. The GPA (The Gambia Government) should engage in an experiment as to
what could be called genuine charge for users of this route.

4. There should be no intention in punishing Senegalese or other
transporters, either for who they are or what they do. .

5. The GPA should engage the Senegalese authority to make sure whatever
they come up with is agreed by both parties.

6. The GPA should wait to implement this at the end of the tax year after
a case study.

7. The Senegalese authority should certainly know that the Gambia is a
sovereign country and have a right to implement things without consulting
them- though a part that will be too hard, not to consider your clients.

8. A committee should be set consisting of officials of the two countries
that will sit to discuss this matter at a mature level.

9. Where possible, the Senegalese Government should subsidise part of this
increment to help their countrymen meet this cost, and other Governments
to do the same.

10. The Senegalese nationals should honour the offer of having the tariffs
down.

11. Gambians should not lower the tariffs as a way of mockery to Senegal.

12.Both parties should honour the agreement , without any hidden intention
to betray the other.

13.There should be a commission to probe the GPA, as to why a sudden move
was taken. Those findings could be used for future reference and to check
efficiency of those that instituted the tariffs, where such will be
eliminated or warned on such occurrences.

14. The Senegalese authorities should probe certain individuals escalating
the situation from their end, where such will be eliminated or warned on
such occurrences.

15. Lastly, the Gambia and Senegal should not allow themselves to be
pocketed by inefficient leaders not committed to peace like Jammeh, Wade
and their whole gang.

To all those that Love Senegambia, i salute you all in Senegambian spirit.
This is not the time to be one sided, for on any single day that i don't
listen to Baba Maal or jaliba Kuyateh, it seems to me as life is nothing.
It is time to enhance the unity and move on. It is a traditional saying in
the fulani culture that says even the tongue and the teeth clash
sometimes. This should be the birth of unity between the two nations.
SeneGambia will live long, and we don't hesitate to pounce on any leader
now or in the future that try to bring little differences among us.

I hope and pray that the two leaders reach a solution and end the hateful
impasse...ameen.

LONG LIVE MBAHAL !LONG LIVE SENEGAMBIA !



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