By Haddy Touray
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leader of the United Party (UP) and head of Coalition 2026, says the opposition alliance is a national project aimed at moving The Gambia beyond what he describes as poor governance, inefficiency and economic decline towards prosperity, equity and equality.
Speaking on the coalition-building process, Bensouda said the current opposition alliance differs from the 2016 coalition because it is founded on a shared commitment to national development rather than political expediency.
He urged political parties joining Coalition 2026 to place the interests of Gambians above individual political ambitions or the distribution of positions.
“It should not just be about political expediency or sharing positions. It should be first about serving the Gambian people to the best of our ability,” Bensouda said.
2016 coalition was a historic necessity
Reflecting on the 2016 opposition coalition that ended the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh, Bensouda said he had no regrets about supporting the alliance, describing it as a necessary response to the country’s political circumstances.
He said The Gambia was undergoing a traumatic period, making it easier for opposition parties to unite behind a common objective.
“We were desperate, and rightly so. I would do it all over again,” he said.
Bensouda noted that the political landscape has changed significantly since then, making it more difficult to bring all opposition parties under one banner.
Despite those challenges, he maintained that Coalition 2026 remains open to all political parties and independent actors.
“We genuinely want a project that can salvage this country. It is not dictated by any single individual or party,” he added.
Prosperity goes beyond roads
Responding to questions about infrastructure development since 2016, including the OIC Highway, Bensouda acknowledged the importance of road projects but argued that they should not be the primary measure of national progress.
“Quality of life and prosperity are not just about physical infrastructure projects,” he said.
He argued that successful governments should be evaluated by improvements in healthcare, employment, inflation, wages and citizens’ overall standard of living rather than infrastructure alone.
Bensouda said The Gambia continues to face serious challenges in poverty, unemployment, healthcare delivery and living standards.
He also referred to the country’s Human Development Index, saying that although The Gambia has recorded modest improvement, it remains among the lower-ranked countries globally.
According to Bensouda, Coalition 2026’s political programme will prioritise improving the quality of life of Gambians, strengthening governance and creating greater economic opportunity and social equality.
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