By Dawda M. Jallow
Coalition 2026, led by Talib Bensouda, has accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of promoting what it described as a “politics of division and fear” ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
In a recent statement, the opposition coalition condemned what it called hate speech, tribal division and the use of identity politics by government officials and NPP supporters, questioning the extent to which President Adama Barrow and his administration were prepared to go to secure a third term in office.
Coalition 2026 argued that the pursuit of re-election should not come at the expense of national unity, expressing concern over remarks by some government officials questioning the national belonging of Gambians based on their ancestral origins.
It alleged that comments made by ministers, a national assembly deputy and other government officials in the President’s presence, concerning the ancestry and identity of some Gambians, amounted to attempts to sow division and promote intolerance.
The coalition also questioned why the ancestral backgrounds of Gambians of Lebanese descent and Mandinka communities should become subjects of political debate or determine their place in the country.
“No Gambian should have to prove they are ‘Gambian enough’ because of their great-grandparents’ origins,” the statement said, stressing that citizenship and national belonging should not be determined by ancestry or economic contributions.
Coalition 2026 warned that the normalization of identity-based politics could expose other ethnic communities to similar discrimination.
It specifically mentioned Fula communities of Guinean ancestry, Jola communities with roots in Casamance, as well as Wollof, Sarahule, Serer and Aku communities, warning that they could become targets if what it described as bigotry was not addressed.
The coalition called on civil society organizations, human rights institutions, religious leaders and the international community to condemn what it described as a dangerous political trend under the Barrow administration.
It also urged President Barrow to exercise caution, noting that Mandinka communities had a long history of defending their dignity and place in Gambian society.
According to the coalition, no ethnic group should be subjected to second-class citizenship in The Gambia.
The statement further cautioned against the scapegoating and alienation of communities for electoral gains, urging political leaders to protect the country’s longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic groups.
Coalition 2026’s statement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, in which President Barrow is seeking a third term in office.