Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Three members of the Cement Importers and Traders Association (CITA) were arrested today outside the National Assembly in Banjul, The Gambia, during President Adama Barrow’s State of the Nation address.

Sheikh Cham and Alhagie Mbye, along with another unnamed member identified as Omar, were reportedly protesting the government’s recent decision to significantly increase import taxes on cement. The trio held a large banner reminding the president of their request for a tax reduction at the Farafenni border crossing.

Police apprehended the men for causing a disturbance and disrupting the event. The Cement Importers and Traders Association swiftly condemned the arrests, labelling them a violation of their right to peaceful protest.

The crux of the protest stemmed from the government’s decision to raise customs duties on imported Senegalese cement from D30 to D180 per bag. CITA argues that this drastic tax increase will inevitably lead to a surge in cement prices within the country, making this essential construction material unaffordable for many consumers.

The Gambian government, however, maintains its stance, claiming the increased taxes are necessary to safeguard local cement producers and stimulate domestic industry growth.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s economic policies and the concerns of Gambian businesses. While the government prioritizes fostering domestic production, the cement importers fear the consequences this will have on affordability and potentially hinder construction projects throughout the country.