Africa-Press – Gambia. National Assembly Member for Banjul Central, Hon. Abdoulie Njai, has called for caution in the ongoing debate over the proposed entry of Starlink into The Gambia, stating that regulatory diligence should not be misconstrued as opposition to technological advancement.
In an interview with The Voice newspaper, Njai said he raised a parliamentary question in July 2025 to the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Lamin Jabbi, seeking clarification on reports of foreign diplomatic pressure linked to the company’s licensing process.
According to the lawmaker, the move was aimed at safeguarding institutional independence rather than obstructing innovation.
Contributing to public discussion on the proposed satellite broadband service, Njai argued that the central issue is whether licensing for critical digital infrastructure should proceed without comprehensive regulatory scrutiny.
He welcomed the minister’s response, noting that although the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initially recommended a VSAT license, further clarification indicated that Starlink does not fall under that classification.
Njai maintained that proceeding under an inappropriate licensing category would have been procedurally flawed and supported the decision to pause the process for reassessment and cabinet consultation.
Referring to reporting by ProPublica, he cited allegations that officials from the United States government and its diplomatic mission in Banjul had advocated for accelerated approval. He acknowledged that such diplomatic engagement may be routine but said the circumstances warranted transparency.
The lawmaker further noted that Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite model presents regulatory considerations beyond connectivity expansion, including spectrum management, cybersecurity, data governance, taxation and competition policy.
“These are matters of national sovereignty, not mere technical formalities,” he said, adding that public confidence depends on openness in the decision-making process.
Njai also raised concerns about affordability and economic value, questioning whether pricing structures would be accessible to ordinary Gambians and what commitments exist regarding local investment, capacity building and knowledge transfer.
He concluded that innovation and institutional integrity were not mutually exclusive; stressing that approval granted after rigorous scrutiny would enhance legitimacy and investor confidence.
The National Assembly Member adds that while The Gambia welcomes foreign investment, proper classification, transparent terms and safeguards are necessary to ensure long-term national benefit.
