In a significant step towards challenging the current administration in the 2026 presidential election, major Gambian opposition parties, political movements, and civil society organizations have intensified coalition talks, marking what observers describe as the most serious unity effort in recent years.
Representatives from key opposition groups gathered on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Baobab Hotel in Bijilo for the second round of exploratory coalition discussions. The meeting, hosted by the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) under the initiative of the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) in collaboration with civil society, signaled growing momentum for a unified front.
Attendees included high-level delegates from the United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), National Democratic Party (NDP), Unite Movement For Change, National Development Association (NDA), People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP), and the APRC No-To-Alliance faction. The APP SOBEYA, led by Essa Faal, apologized for missing the session due to prior engagements in Foni but reaffirmed its full commitment to the process.
The session was chaired by Mr. Ebrima S. Bah and Professor Mballow, representing civil society organizations tasked with ensuring transparency and impartiality. In a key decision, participants unanimously elected Professor Yero Mballow as the permanent Chairperson of the coalition mediation body, succeeding Ebrima S. Bah in the oversight role.
A major outcome of the meeting was the formation of a Taskforce Committee comprising representatives from all participating parties and movements. The committee has been mandated to draft a comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) that will outline the coalition’s framework, structure, leadership selection process, and code of conduct.
Participants adopted several interim guiding principles, including full transparency in all proceedings, proportional responsibility among partners, zero tolerance for hate speech, and public disclosure of agreements reached. These measures aim to build public confidence and prevent past pitfalls that have undermined previous attempts at opposition unity.
Speaking after the meeting, Ebrima S. Bah, Secretary of the Coalition Mediation Committee, emphasized the historic nature of the deliberations. “This is not just another talk shop. We are laying the foundation for a credible, inclusive, and formidable coalition that puts the interest of Gambians first,” he noted in the official release.
The talks have been adjourned to Saturday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the United Democratic Party (UDP) scheduled to host the next session. The venue will be announced in due course.
Political analysts view the development as a direct response to growing public frustration over economic challenges, youth unemployment, and governance issues.
A successful coalition could dramatically reshape the political landscape ahead of the December 2026 polls, potentially consolidating the fragmented opposition vote that has historically favored the ruling party.
The coalition process continues to attract keen interest from diplomats, civil society groups, and ordinary Gambians hopeful for a peaceful and democratic transition. Further updates are expected following the May 1 meeting.
