Basse/Senegal Border Reopens

As Banjul Meeting Calls For Cross Border Trade And Unity

By Staff reporter Fatou Cham, Banjul

Officials from Senegal and Gambia have decided to re-open the border in Basse—in order for normal trade to resume between the two sister countries, the Government here said.

This followed in the heels of the recent visit of the new Senegalese Director General of Customs Muhammed Muktharr Cisse who visited the Gambia to share ideas with his Gambian counterparts.

Speaking at a meeting held at Paradise Suits Hotel in Kololi, Cisse said the two countries are one and shared a lot in common in terms of geographical location, and other cultural issues. He said the Senegalese  administration will work in partnership with the Gambian Customs in order to promote trade and unity among the two states.

He added that  his administration will strengthen a good relationship and work for a common goal which is paramount and essential.

Ansumana Tarawally Commissioner of Customs at Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) also thanked the visiting Senegalese delegation for their foresight and readiness to promote trade between the two countries who are one people and would continue to be one. He told the meeting that this as shown to all that the two countries had shared a lot which is a clear manifestation as they are reuniting to re-open the border between the two nations which has been virtually inactive for some years now when it comes to the free movement of goods and people.

Tarawally lauded the new Senegalese Custom Boss for his visit and the move taken to engage his counterpart for peaceful dialogue. This he said, would  pave a way forward in promoting cross border trade and unity.

The meeting was graced by Gambian and Senegalese officials. Both countries had agreed to promote trade, and to facilitate the free movement of people in the region.