In February 2025, U.S. ambassador Sharon Cromer intervened in Gambia to expedite the approval of Elon Musk's Starlink, which was seeking regulatory permission to operate in the country. During her meeting with Lamin Jabbi, head of Gambia's communications ministry, she referenced ongoing U.S. aid projects, implying that future assistance could be tied to the approval of the satellite company. This raised alarm among local officials, who felt that U.S. support was conditional, hence influencing the cabinet's decision-making process in a struggling nation.
"The implication was that they were connected," Jallow said, referring to Cromer's statement linking U.S. support to the progress of Starlink's license application in Gambia.
Cromer emphasized the importance of U.S. support, highlighting that key initiatives funding crucial projects were currently under review, potentially affecting Gambian stability.
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