By Binta Jaiteh
Two opposition parties Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging to work together ahead of the 2026 presidential election and declaring their intention to unseat the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
The Unite Movement for Change (UNITE) and the National Unity Party (NUP) signed the agreement at Paradise Hotel. The two parties commit to cooperate in promoting what they described as good governance, accountability and the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the ceremony, NUP leader Dr. Lamin J. Darboe described the agreement as a partnership founded on shared principles and credible leadership.
He praised UNITE leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda for his resilience and integrity, saying the country required leaders capable of addressing the challenges facing Gambians.
“The people of this country need change, and the 2026 election will determine the country’s future leadership,” Dr. Darboe said.
He argued that The Gambia was at a critical stage in terms of governance and infrastructure, adding that both parties had chosen cooperation over political confrontation.
According to him the alliance was formed on the basis of shared values and a common objective of providing an alternative government.
Dr. Darboe also criticized the governing NPP and its alliance with the Gambia Democratic Party (GDP), urging greater public scrutiny of political agreements.
He said the UNITE-NUP partnership had attracted criticism but insisted that opposition cooperation was necessary to address the economic difficulties facing Gambians and to strengthen democratic governance.
UNITE leader and Kanifing Municipality Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda described the signing of the MoU as a turning point in the country’s democratic process.
“For too long, our politics has been defined by division rather than cooperation, while the everyday struggles of our people have remained unresolved,” he said.
Mr. Bensouda said Gambians deserved leadership that placed national interests above partisan politics.
He added that meaningful change should translate into greater opportunities for young people, improved livelihoods for farmers, traders and workers, and stronger public institutions that serve citizens effectively.
The UNITE leader also expressed concern over the rising cost of living, saying the partnership aimed to provide policies that would ease the economic burden on citizens.
UNITE National Women’s President Matty Kanyi called on women to play an active role in the electoral process, saying women remained a decisive voting bloc in national elections.
She urged citizens to remain united and prioritize national interests over tribal and political divisions.
NUP National Women’s Mobiliser Mam Fatou Nyass also welcomed the agreement, saying the two parties had demonstrated a commitment to work together despite political differences.
She called for unity among supporters, adding that women continued to bear the brunt of the country’s economic challenges and should play a leading role in shaping the country’s future.
UNITE National President Ebrima Dibba described the agreement as a partnership built on mutual trust and shared principles.
He urged supporters of both parties to ignore criticism and remain focused on their common objective of seeking electoral victory in the 2026 presidential election.