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From:  Pa Nderry M'bai <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To:  The Gambia and related-issues mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
To:  [log in to unmask]
Subject:  Reaction to Border Impasse Story
Date:  Thu, 6 Oct 2005 17:07:09 -0700
>OPINION
>Reaction to Border Impasse Story
>By Lamin Sayang
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>October 6, 2005
>Dear Editor,
>
>Pa Nderry M'bai is a person whose professionalism and integrity I have
>come to admire. But recently his comments about the border impasse seem to
>be misleadinding and unpatriotic. I think when such a crises occur
>(Senegal and Gambia), we should rise above political partisanship, and
>work towards achieving peace and stability goals that are common to all
>shades of political opinion. You seemed to be involved in spine,
>misinformation and economical with the truth. You portraying a situation
>where the Gambia is the main looser. I think you should conduct a thorough
>situational analysis of the two countries supported by economic figures to
>convince people that Senegal have nothing to loose. General facts are the
>Gambia lost a lot of revenue at both crossing points, less foreign
>currency, obstruction of the re-export trade which contributes a lot to
>our GDP and the construction industry will suffer tremendously (road
>construction).
>
>On the other hand, Senegalese trucks have to travel via Tamba Kunda which
>means increased prices for the poor, Senegal has a good manufacturing
>based economy, which means textiles, plastics, horticultural /agricultural
>products have to loose their market in the Gambia. Gravel and Gas made for
>the Gambia will suffer. Most Senegalese do their shopping in the Gambia
>and have to pay revenue to the Senegalese custom department. Go to Karang
>and Amdalaye, custom officers sitting down doing absolutely nothing. These
>are a major revenues earner for Senegal. Economic activities in these
>villages died.
>
>Because of the political sensitivity of the issues, even NADD analysed the
>problem cautiously. Look at the Senegalese News paper, how patriotic are
>they (supporting there governments and unions).
>
>In the Gambia both the Business Market and consumer market are affected,
>less buying means the re-export trading is sinking to a bottom less pit.
>
>Retailers from Senegal, crying because they cannot buy cheap goods for
>Mali and the two Guineas, even internally retailers cannot replenish their
>shops with cheap goods from the Gambia.
>
>Contraband activities are on going, who is loosing?-both governments.
>
>Please remove Nadd on your web site if you want to be involved in
>irresponsible Activities.
>
>These borders crisis start a long time ago. At one time went Jawara was
>talking about the Singapore of West Africa, the Senegal Government Closed
>their border causing economic hardship for both countries.
>
>A like the way Nadd co-ordinator (Halifa Sallah) handled the issue and the
>way OJ talked about it. The BBC also mentioned that the border closure
>have cause economic hardship for both countries.
>
>
>
>Go To Top
>
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>
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