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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 45959, member: 636"] A United Democratic Party youth leader has spoken out against new border fees that hurt Gambian farmers. Hagie Suwaneh serves as National Youth President for the UDP and discovered the problem during May 2025. Senegalese border guards demand 500,000 CFA francs from each Gambian tractor that crosses into Senegal. The fee equals about 63,000 dalasi and creates hardship for farming families. Border communities face threats to their food security because of these charges. Suwaneh traveled to Upper River Region and talked with local farmers about the situation. He met with community leaders and tractor owners who confirmed the new policy. The youth leader even crossed into Senegal himself to check the reports. Gambisara village alone operates more than 80 tractors for farming work. Most households in Gambisara, Sabi and Sare Pirasu use farmland located on the Senegalese side of the border. Senegalese officials refuse to explain why they created the fee. They simply tell farmers they must pay before tractors can enter Senegal. Village chiefs have brought the matter to regional government officials. Some local leaders contacted the regional governor about farmer concerns. Suwaneh believes the Gambian government has failed to help its citizens. The UDP leader wants stronger talks between both countries to solve border problems. He says the fee hurts small farmers most because they have limited money. Farming costs rise sharply when tractors face such expensive crossing charges. The rainy season approaches and farmers need access to their fields across the border. [/QUOTE]

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