COMMENTARY
THE GAMBIA AND SENEGAL: WHY A BORDER CRISIS? PART II
By Binneh S Minteh
New York University


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October 5, 2005
In the midst of national and international concern over the unwarranted
and persistence border stand-off between the Gambia and Senegal, the
chairman of ECOWAS President Obasanjo of Nigeria has intervened to
mediate, so as to find a viable solution to the unfortunate situation. A
Gambian delegation led by Vice President Isatou Njie Saidy and a
Senegalese delegation led by Foreign minister, are in the Nigerian capital
to tackle the problem.

However Sene-gambians both at home and overseas are skeptical as to
whether the mediation effort by President Obasanjo will make a difference
in that front. Many Gambians in particular have also raised doubts as to
whether the Gambian vice president could handle such a delicate diplomatic
issue. To many Gambians, she will be over shadowed by political immaturity
and boldly affected by her failure to be aware of current global trends of
politics, in which today's world is changing.

The politics of lies and deception must therefore not have any room in
tackling such a sensitive issue between one people in two different
nations. Both Governments must understand that we are people of the same
historical background that share everything in common and as partners in
development, we must therefore put mechanisms, systems and structures in
place for the betterment of The Senegambian people. It is an era when we
should put aside narrow nationalist instincts and work together as
brothers and sisters. It is an era, when we could equip not only the
sub-region, but the African continent, with modern means of communication
and infrastructure, that will facilitate trade and easy access to
information. It is an era of well-rounded and thoughtful work, where
direct involvement of everyone beyond the confines of national boundaries,
in contributing towards development, peace and stability is paramount.

THE IMPETUS AND MOTIVATION FOR DIPLOMACY.

The Gambia government had previously raised a level of debate about the
problem, asserting that no changes in their stance would take place and a
wavering support and firmness about their position would be in their best
interest. Their campaign response to the crisis was to devote immediate
attention to shaping a new policy based on President Jammeh's approach
which claimed that the Tariffs be increased a 100%, because of wrong
advice and paranoia that Senegal was trying to destabilize his regime. HOW
SAD!

The Senegalese government on the other hand responded to the crisis, by
holding a conference and deciding to boycott the Gambian route after
assuring its public of a proper containing of the situation. An envoy was
then dispatched by the Gambia government to Dakar which resulted to a
meeting by the transport unions of both countries.

Described as irate, Senegal insisted that it would not ease off the stand-
off until when the Tariffs return to normal, which the Gambia government
failed to accept. The situation remained tense and continues to detoriate,
especially when reports on the scarcity of basic food commodities in The
Gambia began to emerge. Until today, Gambians got pinched by inflation and
the Ports Authority loosing millions of dalasi on a daily basis. WHAT A
POLITICAL IMMATURITY!

Sources here at allgambian have that it was during his trip to New York
for the General Assembly meeting, President Jammeh understood that he is
not only an enemy to peace and freedom, but a threat to regional stability
and world peace. On numerous occasions, the Gambia was found to be not
only meddling and supporting rebels in the southern Cassamance region of
Senegal, but also the affairs of Guinea- Bissau. Until today dissidents of
the Separatist Rebel Movement of Cassamance, can be found in and around
Kanilai, President Jammeh's home town, and the Presidential State House in
the Gambian capital Banjul.

This has caused alarm and paranoia that has resulted in a diplomatic quest
to find a solution to the Border Stand-off. WHAT A SHAME!

THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT OBASANJO AND THE ECOWAS COMMUNITY

President Obasanjo and the ECOWAS community have a crucial role to play in
containing this sensitive border stand-off. His role should be that of
impartiality and in accordance with international conventions and
charters, to which both countries are signatories.

With such backgrounds, it is paramount for ECOWAS to denounce the new
Tariff's and recommend restoration of the previous tariff, whilst a proper
consultative committee comprising of Gambians and Senegalese under the
umbrella of ECOWAS ,work out modalities of constructing a bridge or tunnel
across the ferry crossing.

President Obasanjo and the ECOWAS community should warn the Gambian
President to stop meddling with the internal affairs of member states, or
else sanctions will be strictly enforced against his government. In
conclusion, they should further warn Jammeh about the respect for human
rights, the rule of law and press freedom.

On behalf of the allgambian family, I would like to thank the Senegalese
authorities for the high level of Political and intellectual maturity
employed in dealing with the unfortunate situation.

LONG LIVE SENEGAMBIAN SOLIDARITY…..LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY, JUSTICE AND THE
RULE OF LAW. MAY GOD BLESS PEOPLE OF SENEGAMBIA AND CONTINUE TO BLESS
AMERICA.



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