No-To-Alliance’s Gibba Pledges National Unity, Food Security, and Security Reforms After Filing Nomination

By Makutu Manneh

Almameh Gibba, the presidential aspirant for No-To-Alliance, has pledged to prioritize national unity, food security, and sweeping reforms of The Gambia’s security sector if elected president in the December 5, 2026, presidential election.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday shortly after submitting his nomination documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Mr. Gibba declared that political change was imminent, expressing confidence in his prospects ahead of the election.

He outlined four key priorities for his administration, including strengthening national unity, improving access to healthcare, achieving food self-sufficiency, and restoring reliable electricity and national security.

Mr. Gibba said ensuring the safety and security of Gambians would be a central responsibility of his government, criticizing the Barrow administration for what he described as its failure to implement meaningful security sector reforms over the past decade.

“Security remains a major issue in this country; murders and burglaries are frequent. There has been no real security reform, and for ten years, only the National Security Council Bill has been enacted by the government,” he said.

He further criticized the government’s handling of proposed security legislation, claiming that several important bills, including the Police Bill and Immigration Bill, had been neglected.

According to Mr. Gibba, the failure to advance these reforms reflects misplaced priorities within the government, which he accused of allowing public officials to accumulate personal wealth while ordinary Gambians continue to face economic hardship.

Turning to the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Mr. Gibba pledged to pursue an approach that promotes national reconciliation while respecting the rights of both victims and individuals accused of human rights violations.

He said former President Yahya Jammeh, whose administration was the subject of the TRRC’s investigations, should be afforded an opportunity to defend himself against allegations of wrongdoing.

Mr. Gibba emphasized that victims of past human rights abuses must also be given an opportunity to be heard, arguing that a fair and inclusive process is essential to achieving lasting national reconciliation.

He said his administration would seek to bring Gambians together through a process of reconciliation, rebuilding, and national renewal, ensuring that the country remains a place where all citizens feel included, regardless of their political affiliations or backgrounds.

The No-To-Alliance presidential aspirant maintained that addressing longstanding divisions, strengthening national security, and improving the living conditions of Gambians would be central to his vision for the country as he seeks the presidency in December.