COMMENTARY THE GAMBIA AND SENEGAL: WHY A BORDER CRISIS? PART II By Binneh S Minteh New York University -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 5, 2005 In the midst of national and international concern over the unwarranted and persistence border stand-off between the Gambia and Senegal, the chairman of ECOWAS President Obasanjo of Nigeria has intervened to mediate, so as to find a viable solution to the unfortunate situation. A Gambian delegation led by Vice President Isatou Njie Saidy and a Senegalese delegation led by Foreign minister, are in the Nigerian capital to tackle the problem. However Sene-gambians both at home and overseas are skeptical as to whether the mediation effort by President Obasanjo will make a difference in that front. Many Gambians in particular have also raised doubts as to whether the Gambian vice president could handle such a delicate diplomatic issue. To many Gambians, she will be over shadowed by political immaturity and boldly affected by her failure to be aware of current global trends of politics, in which today's world is changing. The politics of lies and deception must therefore not have any room in tackling such a sensitive issue between one people in two different nations. Both Governments must understand that we are people of the same historical background that share everything in common and as partners in development, we must therefore put mechanisms, systems and structures in place for the betterment of The Senegambian people. It is an era when we should put aside narrow nationalist instincts and work together as brothers and sisters. It is an era, when we could equip not only the sub-region, but the African continent, with modern means of communication and infrastructure, that will facilitate trade and easy access to information. It is an era of well-rounded and thoughtful work, where direct involvement of everyone beyond the confines of national boundaries, in contributing towards development, peace and stability is paramount. THE IMPETUS AND MOTIVATION FOR DIPLOMACY. The Gambia government had previously raised a level of debate about the problem, asserting that no changes in their stance would take place and a wavering support and firmness about their position would be in their best interest. Their campaign response to the crisis was to devote immediate attention to shaping a new policy based on President Jammeh's approach which claimed that the Tariffs be increased a 100%, because of wrong advice and paranoia that Senegal was trying to destabilize his regime. HOW SAD! The Senegalese government on the other hand responded to the crisis, by holding a conference and deciding to boycott the Gambian route after assuring its public of a proper containing of the situation. An envoy was then dispatched by the Gambia government to Dakar which resulted to a meeting by the transport unions of both countries. Described as irate, Senegal insisted that it would not ease off the stand- off until when the Tariffs return to normal, which the Gambia government failed to accept. The situation remained tense and continues to detoriate, especially when reports on the scarcity of basic food commodities in The Gambia began to emerge. Until today, Gambians got pinched by inflation and the Ports Authority loosing millions of dalasi on a daily basis. WHAT A POLITICAL IMMATURITY! Sources here at allgambian have that it was during his trip to New York for the General Assembly meeting, President Jammeh understood that he is not only an enemy to peace and freedom, but a threat to regional stability and world peace. On numerous occasions, the Gambia was found to be not only meddling and supporting rebels in the southern Cassamance region of Senegal, but also the affairs of Guinea- Bissau. Until today dissidents of the Separatist Rebel Movement of Cassamance, can be found in and around Kanilai, President Jammeh's home town, and the Presidential State House in the Gambian capital Banjul. This has caused alarm and paranoia that has resulted in a diplomatic quest to find a solution to the Border Stand-off. WHAT A SHAME! THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT OBASANJO AND THE ECOWAS COMMUNITY President Obasanjo and the ECOWAS community have a crucial role to play in containing this sensitive border stand-off. His role should be that of impartiality and in accordance with international conventions and charters, to which both countries are signatories. With such backgrounds, it is paramount for ECOWAS to denounce the new Tariff's and recommend restoration of the previous tariff, whilst a proper consultative committee comprising of Gambians and Senegalese under the umbrella of ECOWAS ,work out modalities of constructing a bridge or tunnel across the ferry crossing. President Obasanjo and the ECOWAS community should warn the Gambian President to stop meddling with the internal affairs of member states, or else sanctions will be strictly enforced against his government. In conclusion, they should further warn Jammeh about the respect for human rights, the rule of law and press freedom. On behalf of the allgambian family, I would like to thank the Senegalese authorities for the high level of Political and intellectual maturity employed in dealing with the unfortunate situation. LONG LIVE SENEGAMBIAN SOLIDARITY…..LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY, JUSTICE AND THE RULE OF LAW. MAY GOD BLESS PEOPLE OF SENEGAMBIA AND CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA. 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