Merchant's union to file complaint against Senegalese government

Having seen 7,160 tons of onions and a large amount of sugar blocked by the Senegalese government at Dakar Port, the Senegalese National Union of Merchants (UNACOIS-Jappo) threatens to call on the World Trade Organisation and West African Economic and Monetary Union to file a complaint against the government and regain their rights.

''Regarding onions, 7,160 tons are blocked in Dakar Port, and the government will only authorise 4,000 tons to be released for consumption'' says Mame Bou Diop, elected Secretary at UNACOIS, adding that ''3,160 tons will spoil if no urgent solution is found''.

According to UNACOIS merchants, this predicament underlines doubts on the governments ability to guarantee public interest and maintain its authority over all stakeholders in Senegalese economic activity.

Senegal had suspended onion importations on the 23rd February. This protective measure will last 6 months and aims to favour local production, which is on a strong rise over the last few years. Despite this measure, Senegal is a big consumer of imported onions, with 175,000 tons imported last year.