Bensouda Says Rivals Are Targeting Coalition 2026 Because It Threatens Them

By Fatou Sillah

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of Kanifing Municipality and the presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, accused both the government and opposition parties on Thursday of targeting his coalition because they view it as a serious threat ahead of The Gambia’s presidential election in December.

Speaking at a Coalition 2026 rally in Medina Sering Mass, Mr. Bensouda said the coalition had faced steady criticism and accusations since its formation, which he attributed to rivals’ growing concern about its chances at the polls.

“Let’s all be careful,” he told supporters. “Everybody is fighting us, be it the government or the opposition, because they all know that this coalition is going to be the one to lead the country.”

He urged supporters not to be distracted by the attacks and to stay united as they prepare for the vote. He said the coalition was gaining support across the country and appealed to Gambians to back its campaign for change.

Mr. Bensouda also criticized President Adama Barrow’s bid for a third term, comparing the president to “a vehicle without a brake.”

“If we leave him in power, he will continue asking for more terms,” he said.

Presenting himself as the candidate best placed to lead the country in a new direction, Mr. Bensouda called on Mr. Barrow to step aside and said he hoped to become The Gambia’s fourth president.

He also addressed the controversy over his earlier remarks on family planning, saying they had been misinterpreted. He did not elaborate on what he had said.

Mr. Bensouda further accused the governing National People’s Party and government ministers of spreading propaganda and engaging in political deception. “NPP and its propaganda ministers, shame on you,” he said.

He closed by urging supporters to remain united, resist distractions and step up their campaign activities ahead of the election.