By Mustapha Jallow
A delegation of high-ranking officials from Senegalese Customs recently participated in meaningful discussions with the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in Banjul. Led by Senegal’s Director General of Customs, Dr. Mbaye NDIAYE, and GRA’s Commissioner General, Yankuba Darboe, the talks focused on strengthening collaboration and resolving issues at their common borders. Throughout the visit, both administrations affirmed their dedication to promoting reciprocal support, cooperation, and camaraderie among their customs organizations.
The dialogue marked a pragmatic shift in implementing standard agreements, with concrete and joint actions identified for immediate implementation. These actions aim to facilitate the movement of people and goods while improving the security of the logistics chain.
Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe of the GRA warmly welcomed Dr. NDIAYE’s decision to choose The Gambia as his inaugural destination for an official visit, emphasizing the significance of creating solid frameworks to establish enduring legacies. He pledged the GRA’s complete support for the Senegalese DG’s vision, underscoring the urgency of promptly resolving border conflicts that emerge from commercial dealings. Commissioner General Darboe conveyed, “Rest assured that the GRA is fully dedicated to forging a robust working partnership with you.”
The Senegalese Customs DG, Dr. Mbaye Ndiaye, has reiterated his commitment to working closely with his counterparts in addressing obstacles that hinder businesses at the Senegambia border. To achieve this, Dr. Ndiaye stressed the importance of moving beyond mere rhetoric and taking full advantage of the positive relationship between the heads of state of both countries.
According to Dr. Ndiaye, talking and exchanging visits is no longer enough. Instead, the time is ripe to capitalize on this momentum to strengthen the foundation of this relationship for the long term. To this end, he announced plans to establish two control bureaus in both countries, enabling remote control of transactions and regular exchange of information.
Finally, Dr. Ndiaye extended a special invitation to GRA to visit Senegal, fostering greater collaboration and deepening the ties between the two nations.
Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner of GRA, praised the positive relationship between the two countries and expressed optimism that the Senegalese DG’s visit signaled a renewed hope for enhanced cooperation.
Alhagie Mbye, Commissioner of Customs for GRA, reiterated the importance of building a robust relationship and expressed confidence in implementing protocols for the common good of both nations under Dr. Mbye’s leadership.
