Senegal gives The Gambia cars and bikes for Barrow's inauguration

Senegal has delivered vehicles and motorbikes to its neighbour, The Gambia, as part of preparations for their upcoming Independence Day celebration.

The pro-government Daily Observer Newspaper reported that the consignment was delivered to the country by two Senegalese marine vessels. They added that more vehicles and bikes were expected ahead of Saturday’s event.

The Gambia’s 52nd Independence Day celebration has also been tied to the official swearing-in of President Adama Barrow. The event will take place at the Independence Stadium in the capital, Banjul.

Reports indicate that Presidents from about 20 African countries are expected to attend the event. Barrow’s initial swearing in was in Senegal. It is believed that the presence of the dignitaries is the reason why Senegal is assisting its neighbour with logistics.

Le Président a reçu le Min. des Affaires Etrangères gambien qui l’a informé qu’il sera l’invité d’honneur de la fête nationale de la #Gambie pic.twitter.com/gY1s0cmpez

— Présidence Sénégal (@PR_Senegal) February 15, 2017

Senegal played a key role in the post-election impasse that hit its neighbour and have been lauded for the political, diplomatic, humanitarian and military assistance that has offered since.

Senegal was part of the ECOWAS mediation effort with Jammeh – even though both efforts ended inconclusively. Senegal also sheltered fleeing public officials and politicians. They also housed the president-elect Adama Barrow until he took his oath of office at the Gambian embassy in Dakar.

The regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) flew Barrow out of the Gambia when political tension was high due to uncertainty about whether exiled leader Yahya Jammeh was going to step down at the time.