Senegal’s Economic Groups (GES) are warning of the sanctions imposed on Mali by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and their consequences on the economy of Senegal.
GES and two of their affiliated organizations, notably the ‘Coordination des Professionnels des Transports Routiers du Senegal’ (CPTRS) and the ‘Collectif des Acteurs des Transports Routiers du Senegal’ (CATRS), have sent out a distress signal. These associations have come out of their silence to warn of the impact of the sanctions imposed by the regional bloc against Mali and their ramifications on economic activities in Senegal.
“Today, 1,348 loaded trucks are waiting at the border. That’s more than 3,000 people somewhere in the bush in precarious conditions. They are living in total distress. They are in the street,” according to the leaders of these groups.
They warn of the humanitarian consequences of these sanctions against carriers who are stuck at the border with their truckloads. “The drivers are starting to sell diesel fuel in order to live. I appeal to the intelligence of our authorities. This political decision is a blow to our sector after the consequences of the Covid-19,” said Momar Sourang, the Coordinator of CPTRS.
These actors are urging Ecowas countries to relax certain measures against Mali, to avoid the worst. “In Africa, we can always find a solution through discussion,” says the leaders of these associations, who fear losing their Malian partner, which represents four million tons per year.
In view of the large volume of trucks stranded at the border posts and the security and health risks, these groups invite West African leaders to quickly sort out the Malian issue in an attempt to resolve the crisis from a humanitarian perspective.
CD/fss/abj/APA