Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and flag-bearer for the newly formed Gambia First Coalition, called for unity among opposition parties on Friday. The UDP formally joined seven other political parties and movements in The Gambia, establishing the coalition through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Darboe urged, "Let us work together to save our country." He emphasized the collaborative nature of their efforts, stating, "The campaign should be and will be collective."
Call for Unity and Collective Campaign
Ousainu Darboe urged political parties to set aside their disagreements and collaborate towards a shared objective. He stressed the importance of putting aside individual differences to work towards a common goal for the nation. The Gambia First Coalition, which he leads, is committed to pursuing a collective campaign effort. This approach is intended to present a united front ahead of the upcoming elections. The memorandum of understanding signed by the eight political parties and movements provides the coalition with its foundational organizational framework. This framework is designed to guide their joint activities leading up to the 2026 Gambian election and establish the initial structure for their collaboration. Darboe reiterated that the coalition would pursue a collective campaign, showing the unified strategy they intend to adopt.
Coalition's Vision and Priorities
The Gambia First Coalition plans to concentrate on promoting its own policies rather than criticizing political opponents. This strategic focus aims to present a positive and proactive agenda to the electorate. Papa Fall, a spokesperson for the coalition, stated that the group would seek to develop a five-year reform agenda. He identified the rising cost of living, high youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare, difficulties in accessing land, and food insecurity as significant challenges facing Gambians. Fall cited these issues as critical areas that the coalition intends to address comprehensively.
Fall outlined the coalition’s proposed priorities, which include the Gambianisation of commerce, improved healthcare services, enhanced national security, and skills-based education. Additionally, the coalition aims to address food security and ensure fairer access to land for citizens. These priorities reflect a broad approach to national development and citizen welfare. Fall affirmed that a government led by The Gambia First Coalition would prioritize delivering tangible results, safeguarding national resources, and restoring a sense of pride in The Gambia. He also stated that the coalition would focus on promoting its own policies rather than attacking political opponents, a key tenet of their communication strategy.
Coalition Leaders Speak
Coalition mediator Momodou Satou Dibba stated that the Gambia First Coalition currently brings together eight political organizations, including the United Democratic Party (UDP). Dibba confirmed that talks are ongoing with several other political organizations that could potentially join the alliance. This indicates the coalition's intention to expand its reach and influence. Speaking on behalf of the coalition leaders, Gambia People Advancement Party leader Papa Fall called for constitutional reforms, specifically advocating for presidential term limits. Fall also emphasized the coalition's commitment to these structural changes, noting their belief in strengthening democratic institutions. He further reiterated that a government led by the coalition would focus on delivering results, protecting national resources, and restoring pride in The Gambia.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The event marked one of the major opposition political gatherings ahead of the 2026 election, signaling a significant step towards consolidating opposition forces. The coalition plans to develop its organizational structure, policy framework, and campaign strategy for the December 5 presidential election. This full planning is key for their electoral success. A more detailed agreement will be negotiated once additional parties join the alliance, indicating a flexible and inclusive approach to coalition building. The memorandum of understanding provides the coalition with its initial organizational framework, which will be built upon as more parties come on board. The coalition's commitment to a collective campaign and a clear policy agenda positions it as a significant contender in the upcoming political landscape.