Senegal separatist conflict displaces thousands in Gambia

Thousands of people were displaced earlier this week after a flare-up between Senegalese soldiers and separatists near the Gambia border. The European Union, through the Multi-Annual Indicative program, is working with the government of Gambia to promote good governance, green economy, and human capital development. Alieu Secka, a transformation specialist at ABSS Consulting, shed light on the recent developments in Gambia during a CNBC Africa interview. Secka provided an update on the skirmishes that took place a few weeks ago on the border with Kassamas between Banger, Gambia, and Kassamas. The conflict escalated with the presence of Senegalese economic soldiers in the Gambia and resulted in casualties and prisoners being taken. While the situation has somewhat normalized, challenges persist. The economic fallout from the post-COVID-19 era, exacerbated by global events like the conflict in Ukraine, poses significant challenges for Gambia. Rising fuel prices and food insecurity, coupled with supply chain disruptions and port bottlenecks, paint a concerning picture for the nation's economy. Secka emphasized the need for sustainable interventions to mitigate these challenges. With the EU emerging as Gambia's largest development partner, the focus has shifted towards governance reforms, gender empowerment, youth employment, and human rights initiatives. However, Secka noted that energy deficiencies at ports and infrastructure bottlenecks remain pressing issues that need urgent attention. While progress has been made in higher education with the establishment of the University of Gambia and an increased number of graduates annually, Secka highlighted the importance of vocational training and skill development to enhance the country's human capital. Addressing unemployment and youth empowerment through such interventions is crucial for sustainable growth. The tourism sector, a vital component of Gambia's economy, has yet to recover from the pandemic's impact, leaving many locals unemployed. Secka underscored the need for infrastructure development projects to stimulate economic activity and create job opportunities. He acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, citing supply chain disruptions and energy access as major pain points. The insufficient generation capacity, transmission, and distribution inefficiencies in Gambia's energy sector pose significant obstacles to economic growth. Secka stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and enhancing energy infrastructure to drive sustainable development and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Looking ahead, Secka expressed cautious optimism for the economy in the second quarter but warned of continued challenges. With tourism unlikely to witness a significant rebound soon and agricultural support needed due to the impending wet season, the government faces the task of navigating through ongoing hardships. The road to recovery from the lingering effects of COVID-19 may extend over the next year or two, requiring sustained intervention and strategic planning to rebuild the economy.