By Arret Jatta
As the Coalition 2026 formally signed a Political Alliance Agreement, bringing eight political parties and movements together ahead of The Gambia’s 5th December presidential election, flag-bearer Talib Bensouda has stated that they will flush Barrow out of State House.
“Today, The Gambia has a result. This coalition means game over for President Adama Barrow,” he said.
Bensouda stated that the coalition had entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the alliance and promised to tackle crime, corruption, poverty and tribalism if elected.
He said his government will make tribalism a prosecutable offence and ensure that corruption will not be tolerated.
He also promised to introduce measures aimed at ending poverty, saying the country’s development plans must place poor and vulnerable Gambians at the centre.
According to Bensouda, women struggling with daily expenses, students unable to pay school fees and sick people unable to afford treatment are signs of the hardship facing Gambians.
He criticised the government’s handling of the country’s electricity crisis, arguing that reliance on electricity supplied from Senegal had left The Gambia vulnerable after Senegal faced its own power challenges.
Bensouda also criticised the government’s approach to national security, calling for greater investment in Gambian security forces.
He said the coalition will ensure that national affairs, including security, are handled by Gambians.
On leadership, Bensouda said President Barrow should address citizens during crisis and reassure them about the challenges facing the country.
He urged Coalition 2026 supporters to reject violence and insults, saying politics should focus on development.
The signing ceremony, held at Pencha-mi Hall on Thursday evening, drew a large crowd of supporters, party leaders, opposition figures, political movements, guests and members of the public.
The alliance brings together the People’s Right Party (PRP), Forward Gambia, National Reform Congress (NRC), Pastef Gambia, Gambia Movement for Progress, Defending the Gambian Interest, Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA), National Unity Party, Unite Party and Save The Gambia.