The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has begun enforcing a new policy barring foreign nationals from driving commercial vehicles, a move that has sparked protests from Tuk-tuk (tricycles) operators who say the measure threatens their livelihoods.
Citing provisions in the Motor Traffic Act and its regulations, the GPF said foreigners will no longer be allowed to operate commercial transport, including tuk-tuk. The regulations also target private vehicle owners using their cars for commercial purposes. Police say the restrictions will be strictly applied across the country.
The enforcement began this week at the Serrekunda Market, where several Tuk-tuk owned by foreign drivers were seized. Officers have also impounded tricycles at other police stations in the Greater Banjul Area.
The GPF said it has been reviewing the issue of tuk-tuk in commercial transport since 2022 and insists the new rules are necessary.
However, foreign Tuk-tuk drivers many from neighbouring West African countries argue the ban will deprive them of their only source of income.
“This is our only source of income. How are we going to survive?” asked Muhammad Lamin Jallow, a Sierra Leonean tuk-tuk driver based in Manjai. Jallow said he has already faced repeated stops and fines from traffic police, immigration officers, and Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) officials.
He also recounted to JollofNews a violent incident in which he was hired by five young men in the Sanchaba area, only to be assaulted and robbed of his phone and cash.
Another driver, Muhammad Alieu Jallow, echoed these concerns, saying foreign drivers already face frequent harassment from authorities. He warned that the new ban will make life even harder for those supporting families in The Gambia and abroad.
Protesting drivers are calling on the GPF to reconsider the decision, warning of the economic hardship it will cause. The police have not indicated whether they will review the policy.
The standoff highlights growing tensions between law enforcement and the country’s informal transport sector, where tricycles often operated by migrants have become an affordable and popular means of travel for many Gambians.
