By Awa Sowe
The Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, with a high-powered delegation, has recently concluded a two-day working visit to Dakar, where he had bilateral engagements with Senegalese Prime Minster Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The meeting addressed various aspects of cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal, key among them fisheries, defence, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Sonko, Vice President Jallow expressed appreciation to Senegal for the warm reception, and described the relationship as captivating and peaceful. He said up-scaling of bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal is of immense relevance to both countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko noted that it is imperative for the two countries to cultivate a good relationship and to work together in peace and respect. He reminded that The Gambia and Senegal are inseparably connected by history, geography, culture, and common development aspirations, and commended the diverse efforts being made to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in many sectors.
The Gambian Minister of Defence, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, emphasised the close and cordial relations between The Gambia and Senegal, acknowledging that the two countries have enjoyed excellent defence and security relations.
He mentioned the numerous security bilateral agreements, protocols and memoranda of understanding the two countries signed since 2017, including the protocol on operational arrangements for the implementation of the right to cross-border hot pursuits and joint combined patrols signed in 2018.
“The agreements and protocols seek to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual understanding, respect and the need to promote and consolidate peace, security and stability in both countries”.
The Defence minister recalled that in 2023 there was a presidential council meeting with the agreement to establish a joint military, defence and security committees to help build trust and confidence between the security agencies to intervene to diffuse tensions and agree on common SOPs on border security joint patrols and operations.
He seized the opportunity to solicit his counterpart’s support in providing capacity building for The Gambia Armed Forces in the maritime sector and illegal migration.
Minister Njie thanked General Birame Diop, Minister des Forces Armees for the ECOMIG officers in The Gambia. He requested co-deployment possibilities with Senegal in one of their existing UN peacekeeping missions and medical support for their military hospitals.
General Birame Diop, Minister des Forces Armees acknowledged that at bilateral level, The Gambia and Senegal continue to enjoy close and cordial relationships as development partners. “The relationship has developed into a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values,” he observed.
The Gambian Minister of Fisheries, Hon Musa Drammeh, said in The Gambia and Senegal artisanal fisheries make up majority of the fisheries landings and contribute significantly to income generation and local food security for coastal communities and for many inland communities where fish is traded.
He therefore pointed out that cooperation in the protection of marine resources is crucial in the bilateral relations of the two countries. He suggested the setting up of monitoring and surveillance centres.
The Minster of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Senegal, Dr Fatou Diouf, did express appreciation over the long-standing relationship between Senegal and The Gambia.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, and Gambians Abroad, Mamadou Tangara, emphasised dialogue and cooperation in diverse fields; such as trade, agriculture, education, and tourism.
Mr Yunus Hydara of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) said the overall goal of the MCC is to support the implementation of critical institutional and policy reforms that address binding constraints to economic growth in The Gambia. “The compact seeks to strengthen good governance, economic freedom, and investments in the people of The Gambia,” he noted.
Mr Elhaji Ibou Boye of the Senegalo-Gambian Secretariat and The Gambian Ambassador to Senegal, Hadrammeh Sidibeh both spoke at length on the long-standing relations between The Gambia and Senegal, as well as highlight their institution’s role .
The leaders of the two countries reaffirmed the firm commitment of their governments to continue to work together to advance the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two sister Republics, and in this regard agreed to intensify consultations between the authorities of the two governments to implement the agreements signed.
Visit to Gorée Island
On the sidelines of his official visit to Dakar, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow visited the historical Island of Gorée. The “Memory Island” is the symbol of the Atlantic slave trade.
Amongst the tangible elements that reflect Gorée’s universal value are notably, the Castle, a rocky plateau covered with fortifications which dominate the Island; the Relais de l’Espadon, former residence of the French governor; etc…
The Island of Gorée is now a pilgrimage destination for the African diaspora, a lobby for contact between the West and Africa, and a space for exchange and dialogue between cultures through the confrontation of ideals of reconciliation and forgiveness.
