By Kemo Kanyi
Former President Yahya Jammeh’s “No-To-Alliance Movement” has been formally launched as a political movement, separating its political identity from the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).
The movement was launched at the Pencah Mi Hall of Paradise Suites Hotel in Banjul on Saturday, with National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, delivering the keynote address.
Gibba said the launch represented more than the establishment of a political organisation, describing it as the formal presentation of a movement that had emerged from political disagreements and the determination of its supporters to exercise their constitutional rights.
He said the movement’s journey since breaking away from the APRC over its political alignment with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) had been difficult.
According to Gibba, supporters who maintained a position of non-alignment had faced political pressure, criticism and challenges in exercising their political rights.
He cited instances in which political gatherings involving supporters of the movement allegedly encountered difficulties in obtaining permits and confrontations with law enforcement officers.
Gibba also referred to incidents involving alleged use of tear gas, arrests and detention of supporters during political activities.
He said some supporters seeking to express their political views under the APRC banner had become caught up in disagreements over the party’s leadership, representation and political direction.
The Foni Kansala lawmaker said the experiences had affected ordinary citizens, political activists, supporters and public representatives.
He cited, among other incidents, the alleged use of tear gas during political activities, including an incident involving a National Assembly member from Foni Jarrol.
Gibba said the movement was not recounting the incidents to promote anger or revenge but to emphasize what he described as the importance of remembering political developments and protecting peaceful political expression.
He said the experience had reinforced the view among Jammeh supporters that they needed a political platform through which they could organize and express their political positions without being involved in disputes over the ownership, leadership or direction of another political party.
“The No to Alliance Movement emerged from that political disagreement. It became a home for those who said we have the right to disagree. We have the right to organize. We have the right to participate in democratic politics. We have the right to choose our political future,” Gibba remarked.
He said the movement did not exist to fight individuals, create political enemies or promote hatred or violence, but to provide what he described as a political alternative and democratic platform for citizens who shared its convictions.
Gibba disclosed that the movement was being formally launched with the intention of participating in The Gambia’s democratic and electoral processes, including the 2026 presidential election and subsequent electoral cycles.
He said the movement would operate in accordance with the Constitution and laws of The Gambia.
The No-To-Alliance Movement emerged from a split within the APRC after the party entered into an alliance with President Adama Barrow’s NPP ahead of the 2022 legislative elections. The faction has maintained its political association with former President Jammeh.
In August, Gibba said the movement was rebuilding its structures and consulting members ahead of the December presidential election, while indicating that its position on possible political alliances would be announced later.