The Gambia Action Party (GAP), led by Secretary General Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has issued a fervent call for transparency regarding the nation’s offshore oil wells, raising alarms over potential exploitation by Senegal. The demand follows a resurfaced audio clip from former President Yahya Jammeh, which has reignited public skepticism about the management of The Gambia’s natural resources.
In a strongly worded statement, Batchilly expressed deep concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the country’s oil reserves. The controversy gained traction after a QTV State of Affairs interview with Jerreh Barrow, Director General of the Petroleum Commission, on April 1, 2025. While the interview provided some insights, GAP argues it left critical questions unanswered, fueling public anxiety.
“The allegations made by the former President are serious and cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric,” Batchilly said. He emphasized that Gambians deserve answers to pressing questions: Are the nation’s oil wells being unfairly shared with Senegal? What are the terms of agreements with foreign oil companies and neighboring states? Is there a transparent petroleum policy safeguarding The Gambia’s sovereignty?
Batchilly criticized the government’s silence, calling it unacceptable. “Transparency is not optional—it is a democratic obligation,” he declared. “The natural resources of this country belong to the people, and no administration has the right to mortgage our future.”
GAP outlined four key demands to address the crisis. First, they called for a comprehensive public report detailing the status of The Gambia’s offshore oil blocks and any bilateral agreements involving Senegal or other foreign entities. Second, they urged the National Assembly to hold a hearing to investigate Jammeh’s claims, summoning officials from the Ministry of Petroleum, the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and the Petroleum Commission. Third, GAP demanded immediate clarification from the government to confirm or debunk allegations of covert deals. Finally, they proposed a citizens’ forum to educate Gambians about the oil industry and its benefits to the nation.
The party warned that if Senegal is encroaching on The Gambia’s oil reserves, it would constitute “economic aggression” and a “betrayal of regional brotherhood.” Conversely, if the claims are false, Batchilly insisted the government must provide evidence to set the record straight.
The resurfaced audio from Jammeh, whose 22-year rule ended in 2017, has stirred debate due to its allegations of foreign interference in The Gambia’s oil sector. Coupled with the QTV interview, it has amplified public distrust, with many questioning whether the government is protecting national interests.
GAP’s statement concluded with a rallying cry: “The Gambia must not become a passive observer in matters that threaten our economic future and sovereignty.” The party vowed to continue pressing for accountability, urging civil society and the media to join their call for truth.
