By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Cement Importers Association has launched a scathing rebuke against Alagie Babou Ceesay, the Sabach Sanjal, National Assembly Member, for comments made during President Adama Barrow’s “Meet the People Tour” in Farafenni, accusing him of spreading “misleading, disappointing, and uninformed” claims about the industry’s role in the depreciation of the Gambian dalasi.
In a statement shared with TAT and signed by Public Relations Officer Alagie Ceesay, the association condemned the MP’s assertion that cement imports from Senegal were bolstering the CFA franc against the dalasi. They labeled the remarks as evidence of a “lack of understanding” of national economic challenges, particularly the struggles of the cement sector.
The importers highlighted the devastating impact of recent import restrictions, which they say have left hundreds jobless and exacerbated poverty. “Before we were forced to halt cement importation, one thousand dalasi exchanged for between 450 and 500 CFA,” the statement read. “Today, none of us are importing cement, yet one thousand dalasi is valued at more than 600 CFA. This clearly shows that cement imports were not the cause of the dalasi’s depreciation.”
The group urged lawmakers to prioritize public interest over “individual agendas” that harm Gambians’ welfare. They noted that Sabach Sanjal, the MP’s own constituency, suffers most from the ban, as many residents depend on the cement trade for survival. The association accused the MP of being “out of touch” with his voters and failing to protect their economic interests.
Further criticism targeted Jah Oil, the dominant local supplier, which importers claim lacks the capacity to meet national demand, resulting in shortages and inflated prices. They argued that The Gambia’s trade barriers violate ECOWAS principles of regional integration, calling them “a stumbling block” to progress.
The association also questioned why their repeated requests to meet President Barrow have been blocked. “If the increased import duty is truly in the national interest, why are we not being allowed to explain the situation directly to the President?” they demanded, insisting the head of state has been “misled.”
The controversy highlights tensions between local protectionism and cross-border trade, with importers warning of a broader economic fallout if the restrictions persist. No immediate response has been received from the MP at the time of this publication.
