22/08/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐๐ข (๐๐๐ฆ๐จ) ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
The General Transport Union (GTU) wishes to inform and advise all drivers, commercial vehicle owners, transport operators, passengers, and the general public that the annual Maulud Nabi (Gamo) commemoration will take place on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, with large gatherings expected across The Gambia and neighboring Senegal.
During this period, a significant increase in passenger and vehicle movement is expected, particularly as many transport operators will be travelling to Senegal to transport pilgrims attending the religious gathering.
The GTU therefore calls on all drivers and transport operators to exercise maximum caution, patience, and responsibility throughout the period.
๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ:
โข Obey all traffic laws, regulations, road signs, and speed limits.
โข Avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, and reckless driving.
โข Ensure vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained before every journey.
โข Take adequate rest and never drive when tired or fatigued.
โข Exercise extra caution in areas experiencing heavy traffic, congestion, and large gatherings.
โข Prioritize the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Drivers transporting passengers to Senegal are strongly advised to ensure that all required travel and vehicle documents are valid and available before departure, including:
โข A valid driverโs licence appropriate for the vehicle being operated.
โข Valid motor vehicle insurance, passenger liability coverage, and an ECOWAS Brown Card.
โข Valid road and vehicle documentation.
โข A roadworthy and properly inspected vehicle.
โข A Laissez-Passer obtained from the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) before exiting The Gambia.
โข A Passavant obtained from the Senegalese Customs Administration upon entry into Senegal.
The GTU reminds drivers that these requirements are essential for cross-border transport between The Gambia and Senegal under the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services, particularly Article 5.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT IN SENEGAL
All Gambian commercial drivers entering Senegal are strongly advised to obtain the Entry Ticket issued by the Union des Routiers du Sรฉnรฉgal (URS) at the border crossing point.
The ticket enables the URS to provide assistance to drivers facing transport-related challenges, emergencies, or other difficulties while travelling within Senegal.
The GTU and URS have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation and providing mutual support to transport operators in both countries. Obtaining the GTU/URS Border Entry Ticket will therefore facilitate access to assistance whenever required.
Drivers are further urged to exercise extra caution throughout their journeys, as increased traffic volumes and congestion are expected during the Gamo period. All traffic laws, regulations, road signs, and instructions from traffic authorities must be strictly observed.
GTUโS ROAD SAFETY APPEAL
The General Transport Union calls on every driver and road user to make road safety a collective responsibility.
Our objective is to ensure that the Gamo period passes peacefully and safely, with zero preventable road traffic accidents involving transport operators across The Gambia and along journeys to Senegal.
We therefore remind all drivers that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly. No passenger, journey, religious gathering, or economic activity is worth risking a human life.
The GTU appreciates the cooperation and commitment of all transport workers and road users and wishes everyone travelling for the Maulud Nabi (Gamo) celebrations a safe journey, peaceful gathering, and successful celebration.
Travel Safely. Arrive Safely. Return Safely.
Ministry of Transport Works and Infrastructure, Gambia-MOTWI The Gambia Police Force QTV Gambia GRTS TV Omar Ceesay KERR FATOU The Point Newspaper/TV
