The National Unity Party (NUP), led by Lamin J Darbo, has announced its immediate withdrawal from the opposition coalition talks initiated by APeX, also known as CHANGE. The NUP's National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved it will not proceed as a signatory to the proposed APeX coalition agreement. The party stated, "This decision was reached after careful consideration of the party’s institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to our membership, and our assessment of the prevailing political landscape in The Gambia." Earlier this month, the NUP had signed an MOU with the UMC, which also quit the talks. The NUP affirmed its commitment to "hope, accountability, national renewal, good governance, and equity."
Reasons for Departure
The National Unity Party (NUP) articulated its decision as a result of "careful consideration of the party’s institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to our membership, and our assessment of the prevailing political landscape in The Gambia." The party further stated that it recognized the importance of collective action in advancing democratic governance. Despite its withdrawal, the NUP clarified that its decision "by no way diminishes its respect for APeX or for the parties who have chosen to proceed with the process." The NUP also expressed its profound gratitude to the APeX Initiative for what it described as "exemplary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to fostering dialogue among opposition stakeholders." The party affirmed its continued dedication, stating, "The NUP remains steadfastly committed to the principles that guided these discussions; hope, accountability, national renewal, good governance, and equity. As we move forward, the NUP will continue to engage with all Gambians and stakeholders in pursuit of a united, prosperous, and democratic Gambia grounded on the rule of law."
Future Engagement Plans
The National Unity Party (NUP) affirmed its intention to maintain engagement with various parties following its withdrawal. The party stated its commitment to continued interaction with "all Gambians and stakeholders in pursuit of a united, prosperous, and democratic Gambia grounded on the rule of law." This decision, according to the NUP, was reached "after careful consideration of the party’s institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to our membership, and our assessment of the prevailing political landscape in The Gambia." The NUP reiterated its core values, stating, "The NUP remains steadfastly committed to the principles that guided these discussions; hope, accountability, national renewal, good governance, and equity." The party emphasized its forward-looking approach, indicating sustained efforts to connect with the populace and other relevant groups.
Coalition Context and Principles
The National Unity Party (NUP) affirmed its continued dedication to the principles that underpinned the coalition discussions. A party statement declared, "The NUP remains steadfastly committed to the principles that guided these discussions; hope, accountability, national renewal, good governance, and equity." The NUP characterized its decision to withdraw as a result of "careful consideration of the party’s institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to our membership, and our assessment of the prevailing political landscape in The Gambia." Despite the withdrawal, the NUP indicated its intention to remain active in national political discourse. The party stated, "As we move forward, the NUP will continue to engage with all Gambians and stakeholders in pursuit of a united, prosperous, and democratic Gambia grounded on the rule of law."