Senegal reopens border with Gambia

After 3 months of a blockade imposed by Senegalese transporters, the Senegal-Gambia border has been re-opened.

Dispute arose after Gambian authorities in February slapped a one hundred fold hike on fees for trucks entering the country, forcing travellers and truckers to take a 500 kilometre detour around Gambia from the nothern parts of Senegal in order to access the southern region of Casamance.

Since the closure, both countries have suffered shortages of essential daily items forcing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to mediate the dispute.

The tension was escalated by the delay of a long-promised bridge but Gambian authorities say that their government will commence the construction of the bridge which is due for completion in 2017.

Funding for the 942 metre bridge has been secured through the African Development Bank and it is expected to cost about $ 90 million.

Senegalese President Macky Sall has stressed the need for the construction of the bridge to be completed without further delays.

The affected travellers urged authorities to consolidate the gains made by both countries and work towards eliminating issues that will undermine regional integration.

Press Agencies