President Adama Barrow's nationwide Development Tour and Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda's emergence as the flag bearer of Coalition 2026 have presented Gambians with two distinct political messages. President Barrow commenced his Development Tour on Saturday, August 8, focusing on infrastructure projects across the country. On the same day, Mayor Bensouda was declared the candidate for the opposition coalition, emphasizing a reform agenda.
Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda stated that Coalition 2026 has "come up with a candidate which is myself," adding that his mandate is "to complete the promise of reforms that Gambia set out to achieve in 2016." He articulated a vision for a drastically changed country, aiming to tackle the cost of living, corruption, and crime. Bensouda noted that "Gambia has been long divided for the past decade or even longer and this is an attempt to try to bring Gambians, especially those who oppose the status quo, together under a single mandate to achieve the reforms and the prosperity we set out to achieve in 2016."
President Barrow's Development Tour
President Adama Barrow has been traveling across the country, inaugurating roads, launching new infrastructure projects, visiting agricultural schemes, and handing over ambulances as part of his Development Tour. This extensive tour, which began on Saturday, August 8, has seen the President engage directly with various communities, showcasing the government's commitment to national development. The President handed over ambulances to communities in Niumi and Jokadu areas. In the North Bank Region, President Barrow laid foundation stones for several road projects, which include roads linking Essau and Barra, Fass Njaga Choi, Bakalarr, Jurunku, Kerr Samba Kalla, and Kerr Cherno Omar. These road projects in the North Bank Region cover approximately 255 kilometres. The President's activities show a focus on improving connectivity and access to essential services across the country.
On Sunday, August 9, President Barrow inaugurated the Bani-Salikeni-Njaba Kunda road, which is reported to be about 17 kilometres long. This inauguration marked another significant step in the government's infrastructure drive. Voice Out Digital reported that the wider North Bank road programme could encompass more than 350 kilometres, indicating a substantial investment in the region's transportation network. The tour continued on Monday, August 10, with activities in both the North Bank and Central River regions. During this leg, President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the 52-kilometre Ngayen Sanjal Road. This project is expected to further enhance regional connectivity and facilitate economic activities.
Additionally, President Barrow inaugurated the 12-kilometre Njau Loop Road. He also laid foundation stones at Yallal Tankon Kunda and Farafenni for further road projects, which combined cover 52.1 kilometres. These initiatives demonstrate a broad approach to infrastructure development, targeting both major arteries and local access routes. On Tuesday, August 11, the President proceeded with his tour in the Central River Region. In this region, he inaugurated the Karantaba-Fitu Fulla road. The Karantaba-Fitu Fulla road covers approximately 26 kilometres, contributing to the overall improvement of the national road network.
Presidential Focus on Agriculture and Subsidies
At a meeting in Njau, President Adama Barrow addressed the issue of subsidised fertiliser. The President cautioned traders and individuals against attempts to increase the price of subsidised fertiliser or to transport it out of the country. He noted that the government had acquired the fertiliser at a cost exceeding D3,000 per bag, yet it is being sold to farmers for D1,100. This significant subsidy notes the government's efforts to support the agricultural sector and ensure food security.
President Barrow stated that the government had procured more than 300,000 bags of chemical fertiliser, a substantial quantity aimed at boosting agricultural productivity nationwide. During his tour, he visited a 50-hectare rice field located in Madina Wassu, showing the importance of agricultural schemes in the national development agenda. The Development Tour was scheduled to continue towards the Upper River Region, with Basse and Garawol listed for upcoming Connect Gambia infrastructure activities on August 13, indicating a sustained focus on infrastructure and development across all regions.
Mayor Bensouda's Coalition Vision
Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has been presenting Coalition 2026 as an alternative political force concentrating on the cost of living, employment, healthcare, governance, and institutional reform. Bensouda stated that Coalition 2026's mandate extends beyond merely defeating President Adama Barrow at the polls. He articulated that the coalition's primary goal is to fulfill the promise of reforms that The Gambia aimed to achieve in 2016. Bensouda further explained that a central objective of the coalition is to unite Gambians who oppose the current political status quo. He identified his key political priorities as tackling the cost of living, corruption, and crime, presenting a full vision for societal change.
Among the proposed reforms championed by Bensouda are constitutional reform, amendments to the Public Order Act, and the implementation of a two-term presidential limit. These proposals signify a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring accountability. A specific commitment from the coalition is to develop a detailed plan to create 10,000 new jobs within its first year. Bensouda emphasized this, stating, "One commitment is that within the first year of the coalition there must be a detailed plan as to how to create 10,000 new jobs within the first year of the coalition." This focus on job creation aims to address one of the country's most pressing economic challenges.
Bensouda argued that the quality of life and prosperity in The Gambia are not solely dependent on physical infrastructure projects. He contended that these aspects also encompass healthcare, the number of available jobs, inflation rates, and the general ability of people to lead fulfilling lives. He noted that The Gambia faces significant challenges in poverty, unemployment, and healthcare, noting the country's ranking as one of the poorest globally. Bensouda's perspective suggests a more holistic approach to national development, prioritizing human well-being alongside physical infrastructure.
Bensouda expressed a desire for President Barrow to conduct tours focused on issues such as the cost of living, employment, economic upliftment, and women's empowerment, rather than exclusively on infrastructure projects. He reiterated that employment, the cost of living, healthcare, and education are more critical issues for the populace. According to Bensouda, the issues that people feel most directly are those related to their household finances, employment opportunities, health services, and personal security, suggesting that these areas require more direct and visible government attention.
Contrasting Priorities and Governance Models
Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda affirmed his effective leadership of Coalition 2026, though he noted he would not possess absolute authority. He explained that the coalition council comprises leaders from various political platforms, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in decision-making. Bensouda indicated that any disagreements within the coalition would be resolved through democratic decision-making, where the majority vote prevails, noting a commitment to internal democratic processes. He also stated that parties and political actors who had previously withdrawn from the coalition could still rejoin, emphasizing, "The coalition is an ongoing project." Bensouda added that Coalition 2026 remained open to dialogue with any entity, including the United Democratic Party (UDP), signaling an inclusive approach to political engagement.
Bensouda clarified that the five-year transitional government period he referenced pertained to the coalition's contractual duration for implementing reforms, which is subject to extension. He asserted that no president should serve more than two terms in office, a principle aimed at promoting democratic rotation of power. Among the coalition's objectives, Bensouda cited economic growth, a reduction in government expenditure, and a commitment to fighting corruption. He questioned the president's salary, stating it was approximately D600,000, but indicated a need to confirm the exact figure and whether it was taxed. Bensouda criticised the size of the presidential vehicle fleet, describing it as "obscene" and "expensive," suggesting a need for greater fiscal prudence. He also denounced government expenditure on ministerial travel as an "obscene amount of money." To address this, Bensouda proposed implementing government credit cards for official travel expenses, equipped with spending caps and pay-as-you-go systems, advocating for increased transparency and control over public funds.
Coalition 2026's Broader Ambitions
Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has expressed support for improving salaries and working conditions for civil servants, while maintaining that similar increases are not warranted for ministers or the president. This stance reflects a commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the public sector workforce. Coalition 2026, he stated, plans to implement a system of proportional representation, emphasizing competency and capacity over specific party affiliations when allocating positions. This approach aims to foster meritocracy within government appointments. Bensouda characterized infrastructure projects as "the low-hanging fruit" and the easiest initiatives for a president to undertake. He further noted public sentiment by citing a focus group response: "We don’t eat roads," showing the public's desire for tangible improvements in their daily lives beyond physical structures.
Coalition 2026 is presenting its flag bearer, Mayor Bensouda, as the figurehead for a program concentrated on institutional reform, economic transformation, job creation, accountability, and reducing the cost of government operations. This full agenda seeks to address multifaceted challenges facing The Gambia. Bensouda articulated the coalition's broader ambition to transition Gambia from a state of decay, inefficiencies, and poor governance towards an era marked by prosperity, equity, and equality, offering a vision for a fundamentally transformed nation.