By Fatou Dahaba
President Adama Barrow on Wednesday welcomed Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mama Kandeh and his delegation to State House, where the two sides formally unveiled a political alliance ahead of the December elections. Both described the move as an effort to place national interest above partisan differences.
The ceremony, attended by supporters and senior officials from both parties, marked a significant political development. Barrow’s National People’s Party expanded its alliance base by bringing in the GDC, a party that had remained in opposition for the past decade.
In his address, Barrow stressed that the agreement went beyond electoral calculation. He said it reflected a shared commitment to preserve peace, strengthen stability and accelerate national development. “This historic event is not simply about political cooperation or political convenience purposely to win an election, as many may believe,” Barrow said. “Rather, all peace-loving and progressive Gambian citizens should appreciate this political development as a genuine goodwill gesture prompted by our resolve to put The Gambia, our dear motherland, first.”
He praised Kandeh and the GDC leadership for what he called an act of patriotism and courage. The alliance, he added, rested on mutual respect, consultation and a shared vision for a stronger and more prosperous Gambia. “On behalf of the NPP and the Alliance Parties, I wholeheartedly welcome all the GDC members joining us today,” Barrow said. “You are all very warmly welcome. Feel at home. This Alliance is your home.”
Kandeh, whose party had long positioned itself as a vocal critic of the government, insisted the decision should not be read as a retreat from principle. He framed it instead as a response to the country’s needs at a critical moment. “For the past 10 years, our party has stood firmly in opposition,” Kandeh said. “If we decide to enter into any alliance or coalition arrangements, it will not be because we have abandoned our principles, forgotten our past positions or compromised our values. Rather, it will be because we have chosen to place national interest above political differences and personal ambitions.”
He maintained that the GDC’s earlier criticism had been constructive, driven by patriotism, accountability and a desire to improve governance. Any alliance, he said, must help tackle pressing national challenges including corruption, youth unemployment, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure and security. “This is not surrender. This is not political weakness. This is not abandonment of principles. This is statesmanship,” Kandeh declared.
Other speakers used the occasion to rally support. Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, said Gambians had long yearned for such political cooperation. Ndey Fatou Jallow, GDC’s female president, urged supporters to trust Kandeh’s leadership and called on women from both camps to unite behind Barrow in the coming election.
Haruna Jallow noted that the decision followed broad consultations across the party’s structures. Momodou Pateh Bah, GDC’s national president, stressed that the alliance did not erase the party’s identity, colors or logo. Lamin Janneh used the platform to call for stronger support for persons with disabilities, particularly in health and education.
NPP National President Musa Drammeh said Kandeh’s delegation demonstrated the political strength the alliance could bring, while National Women Mobilizer Maimuna Baldeh called on other opposition figures to join the governing camp.
The partnership further widens Barrow’s support base ahead of the polls. Both parties presented it as a practical step toward national unity and development, signaling a notable realignment in Gambian politics as the December elections approach.
