By Omar Bah
Retired Major Alieu Sowe, a former manager of the former president Yahya Jammeh’s Kanilai Family Farms (KFF) has officially declared his intention to contest the December 2026 presidential election, vowing to lead with integrity and put “ordinary Gambians first”.
Major Sowe, who managed KFF for at least five years, made the announcement under the banner of the ‘Mbeh Kiling Movement’, presenting himself as a leader with a record in agriculture and a commitment to national sovereignty.
In a letter of intent shared exclusively with The Standard, Sowe said the country is at a crossroads and needs decisive leadership.
“As we approach the December presidential election, I present myself under the ‘Mbeh Kiling Movement’ with a clear commitment to lead with integrity, protect our national interest, and work tirelessly for a more secure and prosperous Gambia,” he said.
Gambians, Sowe pointed out, are buckling under rising costs and he promised direct relief.
“Our people are facing difficult times. The cost of living continues to place immense pressure on families. Many struggle daily with the price of food, transport, rent, electricity, and other essential needs. A government under my leadership will put the welfare of ordinary Gambians first through policies that promote jobs, strengthen local businesses, support vulnerable households, and make life more affordable,” he averred.
Sovereignty
Addressing recent border concerns, Sowe said The Gambia’s territory and dignity must be defended.
“The sovereignty of The Gambia is a matter of serious national concern. Recent border-related issues have raised understandable questions among Gambians about the protection of our territory, the security of our citizens, and the dignity of our nation,” he said.
Major Sowe added that while The Gambia values historic friendship and cooperation with neighbouring countries, “the friendship must be based on mutual respect for our borders, laws, and sovereignty”.
He outlined that under his leadership, The Gambia will “pursue peaceful dialogue, responsible diplomacy, and firm protection of the national interests” and that the country’s sovereignty “cannot be compromised or treated lightly”.
Sowe also outlined urgent reforms for health and agriculture.
He added: “Our healthcare system also demands urgent reform. Too many citizens face inadequate facilities, shortages of medicine, long travel distances, and unaffordable care. We must invest in hospitals, clinics, medical equipment, trained health professionals, and reliable medicine supplies so that quality health care is available to every Gambian.
“Our farmers need affordable inputs, irrigation, access to land, machinery, storage, credit, and fair markets. A stronger agricultural sector will create jobs, improve food security, lower our dependence on imports, and bring opportunity back to rural communities.”
Sowe said his experience running large agricultural operations will inform his economic policy. He said managing KFF gave him “direct knowledge” of how state resources are wasted and how agriculture can be turned into the country’s biggest revenue earner.
“I did not learn governance in a conference room. I learnt it in the fields, on payrolls, and in harvest losses,” he added.
Kanilai Farms was the flagship agribusiness of the former president and one of the largest integrated farms in the country, covering livestock, poultry, dairy, crop production and processing.
As farm manager between 2012 and 2020, Major Sowe oversaw daily operations, procurement, exports, and a workforce of over 1,500 Gambians.
Election
Sowe framed the election as a choice between service and survival.
“I believe in a Gambia where leadership serves the people; where our sovereignty is respected; where no family is abandoned by hardship; where healthcare is a right in practice; where electricity is stable and affordable; and where farmers are empowered to feed our nation. Together, we can build a Gambia that is secure, self-reliant, united, and prosperous,” he stated.
He said he will begin nationwide consultations in the coming weeks ahead of nominations.