By Binta Jaiteh
Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has emerged as the flagbearer of the opposition coalition for The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.
Bensouda emerged unopposed after Professor Sidat Yaffa and Ambassador Babucarr Sey withdrew their candidacies following consultations within the coalition.
Speaking to supporters at the Metzy Hotel on Saturday, Bensouda thanked members of the coalition for their support and commitment, saying he viewed his selection as a responsibility rather than a personal achievement.
“I accept this as a duty, I accept it as a responsibility, not as a prize given to me. Today, I accept with humility and gratitude the historic responsibility of becoming the flagbearer of Coalition 2026,” he said.
Bensouda said his selection represented a collective achievement involving political parties and forces with different histories, identities and perspectives united around what he described as a common national purpose.
“This is not a victory for one party. It is a victory for all,” he said.
The coalition flagbearer said the Memoranda of Understanding signed with other political parties provided a framework for pursuing constitutional reforms, fighting corruption, restoring public trust and promoting national reconciliation.
“I thank my fellow candidates for giving me the chance to lead. This is a task bestowed on me and I shall fulfil the promises made,” Bensouda said.
He announced plans to embark on a nationwide tour to listen to the concerns and aspirations of Gambians as part of preparations for the 2026 presidential election.
“We have one job: to win the confidence of the Gambian people and to build a new government,” he said.
Bensouda stressed that the coalition’s objective should not simply be to replace the existing government, but to establish strong institutions, restore accountability and promote human rights and justice.
“Our ambition must not be to replace one government with another, but to build a government that will build strong institutions, restore accountability and work towards human rights and justice,” he said.