Almameh Gibba Says No-to-Alliance Will Not Make Jammeh a Condition for Opposition Coalition

By Makutu Manneh

Almameh Gibba, leader of the No-to-Alliance movement and National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, has said the movement will not make the inclusion of former President Yahya Jammeh a precondition for joining an opposition coalition ahead of The Gambia’s presidential election.

Speaking on Kerr Fatou, Gibba said the movement had moved beyond insisting on Jammeh’s involvement in any potential alliance, emphasizing that the country’s national interest must take precedence over individual political considerations.

While acknowledging that No-to-Alliance has conditions for entering into partnerships with other political parties, he maintained that any negotiations must be guided by what is best for The Gambia.

“We are not going to say that if the issue of former President Jammeh is not included, we are not involved. We have passed that level,” he said.

Gibba described the country as being in a difficult situation that requires opposition parties to set aside their differences and engage in meaningful discussions ahead of the election.

“The country is in a dire situation and is wounded, and to heal it, the opposition has to be able to have discussions about the election,” he said.

He criticized opposition leaders for allowing personal ambitions to undermine efforts to build a united front, arguing that the desire of individual politicians to lead has repeatedly frustrated coalition-building efforts.

Gibba warned that continued divisions could ultimately push some opposition figures into alliances with the incumbent government.

However, he ruled out any discussions within No-to-Alliance about joining forces with President Adama Barrow, saying the movement remains committed to working with other opposition parties to bring about political change.

According to Gibba, Gambians across generations, including women, young people, and the elderly, are eager for a change of government. He argued that the greatest obstacle to achieving that goal is the opposition’s inability to agree on a common candidate.

“The presidency is one seat. Why can’t UDP, UNITE, NDP, and all others come together? If we have The Gambia at heart, why can’t we do this?” he asked.

Gibba’s remarks signal a willingness by No-to-Alliance to pursue broader opposition cooperation without making Jammeh’s political interests a decisive factor in coalition negotiations.