Professor Saliou Ndiaye, former ambassador of Senegal to the Gambia, was the guest of the morning show Salam Senegal on Radio Senegal. He shared his expertise on relations between Senegal and the Gambia.
Mr. Ndiaye highlighted that ties between Senegal and The Gambia are deeply rooted in history, dating back to the 1200s. He noted that The Gambia is today more open, allowing for enhanced collaboration, particularly through a common executive secretariat, which represents a significant step towards joint economic development. According to him, each country having three representatives, this institution will be essential to stimulate investments in various sectors.
The former ambassador also addressed the crucial issue of the movement of people and goods, highlighting the difficulties linked to the different identity cards of the two nations. He insisted on the need for close collaboration to establish a single card that would facilitate travel between the two countries. “The challenges are multiple, but one of the main ones remains the free movement of people and services,” he declared, before announcing the creation of an observatory of practices which will work to resolve the blocking points existing.
Mr. Ndiaye also raised concerns about Senegalese living in Gambia, including problems with access to health care, trade and even cases of imprisonment. He stressed that safety and environmental protection are major issues to take into account, citing the need to regulate logging.
Encouraging about the diplomatic efforts of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar FAYE, Professor Ndiaye recognized the progress made in terms of neighborhood diplomacy. He testified to the successes of President FAYE, whose first official visits were devoted to neighboring countries, thus illustrating his commitment to Pan-Africanism. The former ambassador also noted the change in the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which reflects this new diplomatic orientation, and reaffirmed Senegal’s strategic position on the international scene.
Finally, regarding the recent withdrawals of countries from the AES, Mr. Ndiaye expressed his confidence that they will regain their place within ECOWAS, in particular thanks to the concerted efforts of the presidents of Senegal and Togo. He added: “We are not yet in January, and there are many solutions available to us to facilitate their return.”
