ANM Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader United Democratic Party
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has withdrawn from the ongoing 2026 Coalition Talks, according to sources present at this morning’s session.
UDP’s official representatives to the talks, Lamin Manneh and Lare Ceesay, informed fellow delegates of the party’s decision upon arrival at the meeting.
Sources say the session opened with the customary silent prayers, introductions, and adoption of the previous meeting’s minutes. Before substantive discussions began, a member entity raised concerns about the need for parties to adhere to the coalition’s 2026 Code of Conduct, referencing recent public remarks by a member entity that were viewed as condescending toward fellow members, though no party was named directly.
Lare Ceesay reportedly objected to the characterization, maintaining that the party’s public statements had been consistent with its official position. Several other members then echoed similar concerns about conduct within the coalition.
According to sources, Lamin Manneh, who had not been present at the start of the meeting, arrived partway through the discussion and briefly conferred with Ceesay before requesting the floor. Once granted the floor, sources say he announced that the coalition’s direction was inconsistent with his party’s position and that UDP was withdrawing from the talks on the instructions of its leadership. He and Ceesay then left the meeting.
According to our sources, when other members present asked the pair to remain so their decision could be discussed further, Manneh reportedly declined, stating that discussion was unnecessary as the withdrawal was a party decision.
Following their departure, the meeting continued according to the day’s agenda.
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