Dakar, Senegal — The ongoing dispute between Senegalese truckers and the Gambian customs administration has reached a critical point as dozens of trucks remain immobilized at the border, causing significant disruptions in regional trade and transportation. The standoff, which began on August 5, has raised serious concerns among stakeholders about the future of commerce in the region.
The impasse began when Senegalese truckers blocked traffic at the border in protest against new regulatory demands imposed by the Gambian customs administration. These new demands include the payment of tracking fees in both directions on the Trans-Gambian Highway, a move that has sparked outrage among the truckers. They have voiced strong objections to the added expenses as well as the perceived lack of courtesy and proper management from customs authorities.
In addition to the tracking fees, the truckers have cited a slew of other burdensome costs, including visa fees, weighing fees, bridge crossing fees, and alleged extortions by Gambian law enforcement, which have exacerbated their grievances.
Abdoulaye Kébé, spokesperson for the Senegalese drivers, highlighted that the tracking devices were initially mandated only at the northern entrance for vehicles heading to Casamance. However, recent changes now require these fees at the southern border as well, significantly increasing the financial burden on the truckers.
The escalating crisis has prompted an urgent response from Gora Khouma, Secretary-General of the Union of Road Transporters of Senegal, who embarked on an emergency mission to The Gambia. During this mission, it surfaced that the Gambian Vice President, Mohamed B.S. Jallow, who was on a two-day working visit to Senegal to fortify bilateral relations, was initially unaware of the crisis. Upon his return to The Gambia, Vice President Jallow assured stakeholders that he would investigate the issue.
Khouma’s efforts have yielded mixed results. While he successfully negotiated the cancellation of the 4,000 FCFA visa fee, he was unable to make headway on the contentious 16,000 FCFA tracking fee. Both the Senegalese embassy and the Gambian customs administration referred him to the Ministry of Finance and Budget in Banjul for further discussions.
The Union of Road Transporters of Senegal has resolved to continue their strike until a satisfactory resolution is achieved. They have also threatened to boycott the Trans-Gambian Highway, opting instead for a detour via Tambacounda if their demands are not addressed by the Gambian authorities.
In conclusion, the truckers’ strike at the Senegal-Gambia border presents a significant challenge for regional trade and transportation. The dispute underscores the complex interplay of regulatory practices and economic implications that affect cross-border commerce. With efforts ongoing from both sides, stakeholders remain hopeful for a swift and equitable resolution to the impasse.
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