By: Alieu Ceesay
The No-to-Alliance opposition group, which split from the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), the former ruling party of the Gambia led by Yahya Jammeh, has strongly called for Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to withdraw his forces from the Gambia, marking a significant moment in the relationship between the two countries.
“We want President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to respect Gambia as a sovereign nation. We want our forces to secure us and the Senegalese forces to leave. We are urging Bassirou Diomaye Faye to withdraw his forces here.” Lamin Ceesay Ward Councilor Brikama North told Alkamba Times while welcoming elected president Bassirou Diomaye Faye to Gambia on 20th April 2024.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye chose the Gambia as Senegal’s president on his second international trip, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and good neighborly relations.
Gambians and Senegalese gathered at the airport to welcome President Faye, creating a palpable optimism.
Keeba Secka, a Senegalese citizen residing in the Gambia, expressed her hope that President Faye’s leadership will surpass that of former president Macky Sall, instilling hope for a brighter future.
“Truly speaking, Macky Sall has supported us here in Gambia, but I hope Faye will do more and better than him for us in Diaspora.”
One of the critical expectations from many Senegalese in the Gambia is for President Faye to strengthen the Senegambia relationship, a crucial aspect that could significantly impact the lives of both nations’ citizens.
One Kumba Sanneh told this medium that her expectation from President Faye is to smoothen the Senegambia relationship.
“President Faye is young and energetic. We believed he would settle and listen to most of our problems.”
