By: Fatou Krubally
British-Gambian lawyer Ousman F. M’Bai has accused The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy of failing to disclose critical information surrounding the country’s offshore oil blocks near the Senegalese border.
In a detailed critique released recently, M’Bai questioned the Ministry’s recent statement dismissing any need for joint resource development discussions with Senegal, despite acknowledging that FAR Gambia Ltd drilled within 500 metres of the Sangomar oil field Senegal’s largest offshore discovery.
“This is an admission of enormous technical and geopolitical significance,” M’Bai said, pointing to public filings from FAR Ltd that describe oil traces found in reservoir levels geologically connected to Sangomar. He challenged the Ministry’s assertion that there was “no discovery,” arguing it contradicts both the data and international standards under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allows joint development talks based on geological evidence, not just commercial finds.
M’Bai criticised the government’s refusal to release drilling logs, seismic data, or licensing correspondence under the Access to Information Act. He argued that the public deserves to see the terms under which FAR Gambia Ltd exited in early 2023, especially after waivers of penalties and a redrawing of offshore block boundaries.
“Secrecy is not security,” he said, warning that the lack of transparency could mask the undervaluing or diversion of Gambia’s natural resources.
He further alleged that the Ministry’s actions or inactions may have benefited FAR Ltd, its buyer Woodside Energy, and possibly the Senegalese government under former President Macky Sall. He called for the publication of offshore block coordinates, drilling logs, and any cross-border agreements.
M’Bai concluded that The Gambia’s petroleum authorities must answer serious questions, adding: “Our people deserve better than deflection. They deserve truth.”
His statement has reignited public debate over the management of the country’s offshore oil wealth and the need for accountability in resource governance.
