By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Marie Sock, leader of the Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD), has pledged to uncover any clandestine agreements related to Gambia’s rumored oil reserves. She urges citizens to remain patient amid conflicting reports about the nation’s oil potential. Speaking at a press conference at her Bijilo office, Sock criticized the government’s lack of transparency and called on the United Democratic Party (UDP) to resolve internal conflicts as the 2026-2027 election cycle looms.
Sock’s remarks come in response to President Adama Barrow’s recent statement at the National Assembly, where he denied the existence of oil in Gambia. “The President says there’s no oil, but neither the citizens, nor I, nor any politician has access to the information needed to verify this,” Sock said, accusing the government of withholding critical details. “They should show the populace everything about the oil so Gambians can know what’s going on, but they won’t.”
She referenced reports on Senegalese television, where a commentator claimed Gambia has oil, and noted frequent visits by foreign nationals, including Senegalese and Westerners, allegedly tied to oil interests. “If the President says there’s no oil, we’ll take his word for now and wait until his regime ends,” Sock stated, promising that the ASD would investigate all oil-related contracts signed by the government. “We’ll get to the bottom of it. If there are deals made under the table, we’ll uproot them, and Gambians will know what we have.”
Sock expressed disappointment in Barrow’s National Assembly address, arguing it sidestepped pressing national issues. She urged Gambians to set aside the oil debate until a potential regime change, emphasizing that her party’s mission is to end systemic “foolery” and steer Gambia toward meaningful development. She also praised lawyer Mbye for his efforts to uncover the truth about Gambia’s oil, aligning his work with the ASD’s goal of fostering transparency and progress.
Turning her attention to the UDP, Gambia’s largest opposition party, Sock called for unity and accountability. “If you pride yourself as the biggest political party, you should put your house in order,” she said, questioning the UDP’s ability to lead if it cannot resolve internal disputes. She pointed to the party’s significant influence, noting its dominance in local governance, including the positions of councilors and mayors, as well as its role in the 2016 election. “If you bring your quarrels into the public domain, we’ll talk about it,” Sock warned, stressing that political parties must demonstrate stability to build future alliances or coalitions.
Abdoulie Bittaye, ASD chairman, echoed Sock’s concerns, highlighting the daily struggles Gambians face in accessing education, healthcare, and agricultural support. He decried widespread corruption, alleging that government demands for kickbacks deter investors. “I’ve personally brought investors who couldn’t do business here because of these demands,” Bittaye claimed, arguing that corruption has stalled Gambia’s development 60 years after independence.
Bittaye called on youth and women to rally behind the ASD, presenting it as a beacon of hope against the failures of traditional political parties. “They’ve given us governments that consistently fail to deliver,” he said, urging Gambians to embrace the ASD’s vision for a transformed nation.
Sock’s press conference highlights the growing public frustration with the government’s opacity on the oil issue and the broader political landscape. As the 2026 elections approach, her vow to expose hidden deals could resonate with voters seeking clarity and accountability. The ASD’s focus on systemic reform and anti-corruption measures positions it as a contender in Gambia’s evolving political arena, challenging the ruling party and the UDP to address longstanding governance issues.
With the oil saga unresolved, Sock’s pledge to investigate and inform the public signals a broader push for transparency. Whether the ASD can deliver on its promises remains to be seen, but its leader’s bold stance has ignited a conversation that could shape Gambia’s political future.
The post ASD Leader Marie Sock Vows to Expose Hidden Deals in Gambia’s Oil Controversy appeared first on The Alkamba Times.
