THE GAMBIA: CONSULTATIONS WITH SENEGALESE ON

UNCLAS BANJUL 000172 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PINS GA SG SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: CONSULTATIONS WITH SENEGALESE ON CASAMANCE REF: A. DAKAR 683 ¶B. BANJUL 121 DISCUSSION OF CASAMANCE WITH SENEGALESE DELEGATION -------------- -------------- ¶1. (U) Amidst reported clashes between the Bissau-Guinean military and Casamance MFDC rebels (reftel),a Senegalese delegation visited The Gambia March 17 and met with President Yayha Jammeh to discuss the Casamance situation. The delegation was headed by Pierre Kujabi, identified as an architect/businessman and head of the "Collectif de Cadres de Casamance." In media remarks following the meeting with Jammeh, Kujabi said he had conveyed to Jammeh the following message from Senegalese President Wade: "the people and government of Senegal rely on President Jammeh's wisdom and knowledge of the Casamance problem to help solve the problem for once and for all." Kujabi went on to speak of a possible future meeting between the GOS and MFDC in Banjul. ¶2. (U) Jammeh, for his part, reportedly assured the visitors of his "desire to end the conflict in the Casamance so that the people of the Casamance can perpetually live in peace and harmony." COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The Senegalese delegation's visit is consistent with the warming trend in Senegalese/Gambian relations following their August/October dispute over transport and trade issues (Septel reports GOTG's announcement of increased Gambia River ferry tariffs heavily used by Senegalese transporters.) Per ref b, Senegalese Ambassador Ndiougha Ndiaye recently asserted to us that the two sides had overcome past strains related to Casamance stemming, in particular, from GOS allegations of GOTG support for the rebels. According to Ndiaye, Dakar was now satisfied with Banjul's assurances that it would not meddle on rebels' behalf. From our vantage point The Senegalese delegation's visit and mention of a possible GOS/MFDC meeting in Banjul underscore the extent of current GOS/GOTG harmony on the Casamance dossier. END COMMENT. STAFFORD