By: Momodou Justice Darboe
U.S and Japan-trained economist Musa Basadi Jawara has rung an alarm bell, calling on The Gambia to be circumspect in oil exploration as Senegal’s actions may compromise the country’s interests.
Jawara, who worked at the US State Department for almost two decades, explained that Senegal’s offshore oil fields include the Sangomar Field and Grand Tortue Ahmeyim Field, adding that the drilling is being managed by licensed international companies like TotalEnergies and BP.
In an article titled: Senegal and Gambia: A New Oil Frontier, Jawara maintained that despite the lack of evidence of slant drilling or illegal activities in Senegal’s oil operation as of now, The Gambia should exercise caution in oil exploration as Senegal’s action may compromise its interests.
He recalled how Iraq accused Kuwait of slant-drilling, which consequently sent the two countries to war in the 90s.
“In 1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing its oil by slant-drilling into Iraq’s Rumaila oil field. Iraq claimed this was an act of economic warfare. This dispute contributed to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War,” Jawara recalled.
He, therefore, advised Banjul to be circumspect as Dakar’s actions could be inimical to Banjul’s interest.
“The Gambia should exercise caution in oil exploration, as Senegal’s actions may compromise our interests,” Jawara advised.
He acknowledged that despite his peccadilloes, former President Jammeh had significant control over the country’s economy and geo-political relations, particularly with Senegal.
“He [Jammeh] also played a key role in the country’s petroleum discoveries and aimed to transform The Gambia into a luxurious destination like Dubai,” stated Jawara.
“However, data projections revealed a promising trajectory, suggesting the Gambia’s potential to transform from recipient to a donor nation, providing foreign aid to other countries. This declaration and vision highlighted the Gambia’s petroleum potential, but only time will tell where these developments will lead,” he added.