News:
June 2, 2021
The Gambian delegation to the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) parliament did not take kindly to Senegal claiming ownership to the Trans-Gambian Bridge in their Country report on Monday, May 31, 2021.
Senegal in presenting its Country report claimed ownership to the Trans-Gambian bridge which did not go down well with the Gambian delegation, leading to a member of the Gambian delegation, Samba Jallow demanding that the portion of the report ascribing the bridge to Senegal should be deleted from the Senegal report.
Leader of the Senegal delegation, Aime Assine in response to the issues raised by his colleagues from Gambia noted that Senegal also contributed to the construction of the bridge in contention, and is an important trans -ECOWAS bridge.
“That is why it is called the deliverance bridge, even if the bridge is built on your territory and given the opportunity to supervise, they should know the bridge does not belong to the Gambia. It is a West African bridge, that is why it is called the deliverance bridge”.
MPs from the Gambia also raised concerns over the closure of land border between the Gambia and Senegal, by the Senegalese Authorities, pointing out that it is against the ECOWAS protocol of Free Movement of Persons, goods and services.
In response, Leader of the Senegal delegation stated that he has also fallen victim to that, hence there is the need for both countries to review and address the issue.
The only female on the ticket of the Gambia, Fatoumatta Njai, also raise issues with Senegal not allowing airlines to use its space unless its national carries Air Senegal, where Asky Airline cannot move from the Gambia to Senegal, Senegal responded by saying there is the need for engagement in other to address that issue.
The last issue that came had to do with Municipal elected leaders staying in office despite the fact that their tenure has expired. This the delegation however, noted was not the first time that such an issue is occurring, adding that the Mayors would be in office until next year when an election is organized.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com/Abuja