Rights Group Calls on President Barrow to Enforce Russian Oil Inquiry Recommendations

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Madi Jobarteh

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has welcomed the adoption of the Joint Committee Report on the controversial Russian oil deal and is now calling on President Adama Barrow to fully enforce its sweeping recommendations, warning that failure to do so would amount to contempt of the National Assembly.

The report, the product of a year-long parliamentary inquiry into the importation and sale of 36,935.614 metric tonnes of petroleum products valued at $30 million, was formally adopted by the National Assembly on 10th July 2025.

The inquiry followed a motion laid by the Member for Lower Saloum on 22nd July 2024, which was approved by the National Assembly, tasking a Joint Committee comprising the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC) to investigate the oil deal, which was alleged to be riddled with corruption, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering.

On 27th June 2025, the Joint Committee chaired by Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, Member for Brikama North, presented its final report before Parliament. The adoption of the report on 10th July marked a pivotal moment in what civil society actors have called one of the most serious corruption scandals to confront the current administration.

In a statement issued shortly after the report’s adoption, the EFSCRJ commended the National Assembly for what it described as a vital step toward transparency, but reminded the Executive that constitutional responsibilities must now be fulfilled.

“Given that this parliamentary inquiry is focused on the acts of commission or omission of institutions under the Executive branch, which is headed by the President in whom executive power resides (s.76), we hereby urge President Barrow to ensure the full enforcement of these recommendations,” the statement read.

The rights centre warned that failure to act on the recommendations of Parliament—especially where directed at Executive institutions—may constitute contempt under Section 110 of the Constitution.

Among the key recommendations adopted by the National Assembly are:

Censure of Ministers Abdoulie Jobe and Abdoulie Sanyang for misconduct

Prosecution of Mr. Aurimas Steiblys (Apogee FZC), Nana Koranteng (Creed Energy), and Nana Akufo (Ultimate Beige) for alleged money laundering and tax evasion

Investigation into the role of GamPetroleum General Manager Mr. Yorro Jallow in representing Apogee during the transaction

Sanctions against Access Bank and Ecobank for violations of anti-money laundering laws

Strengthening of enforcement powers across institutions including the FIU, GRA, CBG, Police, MoPE, MoJ, and PURA

Reinforcing PURA’s regulatory oversight over upstream petroleum activities

Mandatory disclosure of payment chains and beneficial ownership by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)

Enactment of a Whistle-blower Protection Act

Requiring Cabinet approval and gazetting of sectoral policies

The EFSCRJ stated that this inquiry “highlights a deep-seated malaise affecting the public sector,” pointing to systemic corruption, regulatory failure, and institutional negligence as causes for urgent concern. “Failure to address these malpractices threatens the peace and progress of The Gambia, for which the President takes full responsibility,” the Centre declared.

It further urged all sectors of Gambian society—including citizens, civil society organisations (CSOs), political stakeholders, and development partners—to “demand that the President fully enforce these measures without delay.”

The statement ended with a bold declaration:

“2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability.”