By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Transport Union (GTU) has called on all drivers and road transport workers to remain calm as tensions persist over the issue of reciprocity in ECOWAS cross-border transport operations.
In a statement issued following Monday’s altercation at the Basse Garage on October 20, 2025, the Union clarified that it was not involved in the incident, which reportedly involved a confrontation between Gambian drivers and foreign commercial vehicle operators transporting passengers within the country.
“The Union would like to remind all road transport workers that the ongoing issue of foreign passenger commercial vehicles transporting people in and out of The Gambia, while Gambian commercial vehicles are not granted reciprocal access, remains a major concern for the GTU,” the statement read.
The GTU disclosed that it has already submitted a comprehensive policy document to the Government of The Gambia, outlining nine key recommendations aimed at strengthening the national road transport sector and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Among the major issues highlighted in the document is the unrestricted operation of foreign passenger vehicles on Gambian routes. “The GTU has engaged the government and has also presented it to President Adama Barrow in Mankamang Kunda Village (URR) on 19th October 2025.”
According to the GTU, the government has acknowledged the policy document as an important framework for the development of the country’s transport sector and the broader economy. A technical committee comprising key institutions has been established to design an implementation strategy for the proposed measures.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and professional advancement of road transport workers, the GTU emphasized that it continues to support the ECOWAS principles of free movement of people, goods, and services—but stressed that all cross-border transport activities must adhere to due process and national regulations.