By Kemo Kanyi
The National Unity Party (NUP) has announced its withdrawal from negotiations to join the Coalition for Hope, Accountability, National Renewal, Good Governance and Equity (CHANGE), ending 18 months of discussions on the proposed opposition alliance.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party said its National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved not to become a signatory to the proposed CHANGE Coalition Agreement following extensive negotiations and internal consultations.
The NUP, led by lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, said the decision was based on its institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to its membership and its assessment of The Gambia’s current political landscape.
“This decision was reached after careful consideration of the Party’s institutional mandate, strategic priorities, obligations to our membership, and our assessment of the prevailing political landscape in The Gambia,” the statement said.
Despite withdrawing from the coalition process, the party expressed appreciation to the APEX Initiative, led by Dr. Jaye Ceesay Krubally and veteran journalist Demba Ali Jawo, for facilitating dialogue among opposition stakeholders.
The NUP also commended the participating political parties for what it described as their maturity, professionalism and willingness to compromise throughout the negotiations.
The party stressed that its withdrawal should not be interpreted as a rejection of opposition cooperation or a lack of respect for the APEX Initiative and other stakeholders continuing with the CHANGE process.
It reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with Gambians and political stakeholders in pursuit of a united, prosperous and democratic country founded on the rule of law.