GTU engages Senegal- Gambia Permanent Secretary over Senegal’s trade barriers

The Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat received a complaint from the Gambia Transport Union concerning unlawful barriers affecting the movement of transit goods through Senegalese territory.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 28, the GTU, led by its president Mr. Omar Ceesay, highlighted increasing difficulties faced by Gambian commercial transit operators transporting goods from the Port of Banjul to destinations beyond Senegal.

Key concerns include non-tariff barriers, unjustified checkpoints, illegal taxation, and document-related delays, all of which the Union says violate multiple regional and international agreements. These include the Mansakonko Bilateral Agreement (2024), ECOWAS protocols, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provisions.

The GTU called on the Gambian government to take immediate diplomatic steps to ensure Senegal upholds its obligations. It stressed that smooth cross-border transit is essential for trade, economic cooperation, and regional integration under the Senegambia framework.

Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, the Union pledged to support the government and all stakeholders in protecting transport rights and enhancing free trade across West Africa.