Senegalese Technicians Turned Back at Gambia Border, Party Seeks Answers

The Economic Freedom Fighters of The Gambia (EFF Gambia) has asked the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) to explain why six Senegalese technicians and two vehicles were refused entry at the Farafenni border. The group had been hired to support the presidential campaign of the party's candidate, Prince Ebrahim Sanyang.

Key facts

• Who was refused entry: six Senegalese technicians and two vehicles
• Where: the Farafenni border crossing into The Gambia
• Why they were travelling: to install specialised equipment for a nationwide campaign tour
• Application submitted: 23 October 2026, with no decision received at the time of the statement
• Election date: 5 December 2026

What happened?

EFF Gambia issued its statement in response to comments by GID Director General Ebrima Mboob. The party disputed the department's account of the incident and raised questions about the technicians' intended destination, discrepancies in the description of the vehicles, and the legal grounds used to refuse them entry.

The party maintained that the technicians had been invited to install specialised equipment for Mr Sanyang's nationwide campaign tour.

What rules is the party questioning?

EFF Gambia questioned whether prior clearance is required for citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) undertaking short-term technical assignments. The party said it had submitted a formal application to the relevant authorities on 23 October 2026 but had not received a decision.

The statement called on immigration authorities to explain which regulations were applied in the case and to release the relevant border records. It also asked that entry requirements be enforced consistently across political parties and urged a review of the conduct of the officers involved.

Why does this matter now?

The party described the incident as a matter of concern for transparency and political fairness ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election. It reaffirmed its commitment to respecting lawful immigration procedures, urged supporters to remain calm, and said campaign activities would continue.

The Immigration Department's response to the specific concerns raised was not included in the statement, and the source does not set out what rules apply to ECOWAS nationals entering The Gambia for short-term technical work.

What this means for travellers

The case leaves open the question of whether ECOWAS citizens need prior clearance before entering The Gambia for short-term technical assignments. Travellers planning similar work may want to confirm the current requirements with the authorities before they travel, since the applicable rules have not been clarified publicly.

No further response from the Gambia Immigration Department has been announced.