Prof. Sidat Yaffa Says Coalition 2026 Unity Agreement Marks New Chapter for The Gambia

By Seedy Jobe

Professor Sidat Yaffa, leader of the Gambia Movement for Progress, described the signing of the Coalition 2026 unity agreement on Thursday as a significant political commitment that he said placed national interests above personal and partisan considerations.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Yaffa said the memorandum of understanding was intended to be more than an electoral pact, framing it instead as a commitment to cooperation, responsible leadership, and a shared vision for the Gambia.

“We are not here simply to sign a unity agreement; we are here to make a commitment,” he said.

Prof. Yaffa said the agreement demonstrated that people from different political backgrounds and traditions could work together when united by what they considered the national interest.

He said Gambians expected leaders to put the country first and address the challenges affecting their daily lives. Political unity, he added, did not require agreement on every issue but rather a willingness to work toward common goals.

Prof. Yaffa described Coalition 2026 as a partnership that should be grounded in trust, transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. He cautioned that the commitments made at the signing ceremony would ultimately be measured by the coalition’s actions.

“The promises we make today must be reflected in our actions tomorrow,” he said.

He also urged supporters of the coalition to remain peaceful and committed to democratic principles, calling on them to reject political intolerance, hatred, and violence.

Looking beyond the election, Prof. Yaffa said the coalition should be judged by its performance if it takes office in January 2027. He said its priorities would include young people, women, farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, health workers, and members of the security services.

He also listed food security, education, employment, healthcare, and entrepreneurship among the areas the coalition would seek to address.

Prof. Yaffa made a particular appeal to Gambians living abroad, saying the diaspora possessed skills, education, and financial resources that could contribute to the country’s development.

“We will open up our hearts to you for you to start coming back home as of 2027 so that we can start building better our beautiful Gambia,” he said.

He also pledged that the coalition would seek to improve public safety and reduce crime, saying Gambians should be able to go about their daily lives without fear of robbery or violence.

Prof. Yaffa concluded by portraying the agreement as the beginning of a new period of political cooperation, while acknowledging that its significance would ultimately depend on what the coalition delivers.

“Let this Coalition 2026 be guided by wisdom, strengthened by trust, and judged by the positive differences it makes in the lives of every Gambian,” he said. “Let us move forward together; let us work together, let us serve together, and above all, let us put our nation first.”