Gambiaj.com – (MANSAKONKO, The Gambia) – In a significant development aimed at resolving ongoing tensions and easing the mobility of truckers at the border between The Gambia and Senegal, authorities from both countries have reached several key agreements following extensive deliberations. The Mansakonko ministerial discussions focused on improving cross-border trade and the movement of goods, and culminated in a series of resolutions across various sectors.

These agreements include measures to streamline customs procedures, reduce waiting times at border crossings, and enhance communication between authorities on both sides. The aim is to create a more efficient and seamless process for truckers transporting goods between the two countries, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike.

Border Tracking System Harmonization

The first major area of agreement was the border tracking system between Senoba in The Gambia and Kerr Ayib in Senegal. The Gambia acknowledged concerns regarding the fees associated with this system, but it was agreed that the tracking system would continue to operate as it currently does. However, with Senegal soon to deploy its own tracking system, authorities from both nations plan to meet again to discuss the possibility of harmonizing fees once the Senegalese system is in place.

In an immediate measure to ease tensions, Gambian Minister of Transport, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, acting on instructions from President Adama Barrow, agreed to release 353 trucks that had been held at the Kerr Ayib and Senoba border crossings. These trucks were allowed to cross the border without paying the trucker fees, a move aimed at quickly resolving the standoff. This resolution is expected to de-escalate the situation, although the border tracking system will continue to be enforced after the trucks have cleared the border.

Another critical agreement was made concerning trucks in transit through Senegal from The Gambia, heading towards Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, and Mali. These trucks will now only be required to pay an escort charge at the point of entry into Senegal, with no additional fees imposed at checkpoints throughout their journey until they exit Senegalese territory. The list of goods exempted from tracking will also be shared between the Gambian Revenue Authority (GRA) and their Senegalese counterparts to ensure smooth transit.

Border Payments and Checkpoint Regulation

The two countries also addressed the issue of payments at border checkpoints. Senegal has extended the validity of the Passavant, a transit permit, from 10 days to one month for a fee of 5,000 CFA Francs. This extension comes without an increase in cost, and the permit can be further extended by 15 days for an additional 10,000 CFA Francs. Negotiations are ongoing between the governments to potentially eliminate this payment in the future, with hopes that vehicles entering either country will eventually not be required to pay for the Passavant or Laissez-Passer.

In a reciprocal arrangement, goods entering The Gambia from Senegal will no longer be subject to exit fees at the Senegalese border, and this policy will be mirrored for Gambian goods entering Senegal. Vehicles will still be subject to security checks at the border, and any violations of laws, particularly those involving the unlawful unloading of goods during transit, will be met with legal consequences.

Senegambia Bridge and Ferry Crossing Tariffs

Another point of discussion was the Senegambia Bridge, where it was agreed that all vehicles, whether Senegalese or Gambian, will pay the same tariff, with fees being regularly updated according to exchange rates. Additionally, GTSC buses and Dakar Dem Dikk buses will revert to paying their original ferry crossing tariffs of 63,000 CFA francs or the equivalent in Gambian dalasis, following a reduction from recently increased tariffs.

Lastly, it was agreed that vehicles in transit will not be required to pay the Passavant fee, with the only payments being the export fee for Gambian trucks entering Senegal or the trucker fee for Senegalese trucks passing through The Gambia.

Ongoing Negotiations

While these agreements mark significant progress in resolving cross-border transportation issues, both governments acknowledged that further discussions are needed to address additional matters. However, the measures agreed upon are expected to significantly improve the flow of goods and services between The Gambia and Senegal, enhancing economic cooperation and reducing friction at the borders.

The successful outcome of these negotiations signals a positive step towards finding practical solutions to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and transport and strengthening the relationship between The Gambia and Senegal, reflecting a spirit of cooperation that benefits the broader West African region.