The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of The Gambia has firmly denied allegations made by former President Yahya Jammeh, stating that Senegal is unlawfully extracting oil from The Gambia. The Ministry characterized these claims as “false and unfounded.”
It clarified that exploration pertains to the search for oil, whereas extraction refers to the actual removal of oil. This activity has not taken place in The Gambia due to a lack of discoveries.
Since the 1960s, The Gambia has drilled only five exploration wells, while Senegal has undertaken 49 in the Sangomar region. International protocols necessitate negotiations over shared resources when deposits cross national borders; however, no significant discoveries have occurred to necessitate such discussions.
The Ministry remains focused on encouraging exploration and attracting investment in The Gambia’s oil sector, with several international companies expressing interest. The public is urged to disregard these allegations and to engage in informed discussions about the country’s natural resources.
