By Alieu Ceesay
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, flagbearer of the newly formed Coalition 2026, has pledged that if elected president of The Gambia, he will entrust national security, including protection of the State House in Banjul, exclusively to the Gambia Armed Forces and other local security agencies rather than the Economic Community of West African States Military Intervention Group (ECOMIG).
Speaking on Thursday at the official signing ceremony of the 2026 coalition alliance, Bensouda declared: “Gambia Armed Forces and Gambian security forces will guard the Gambian palace, will secure the nation and our borders.”
He directly linked rising crime rates in the country to the continued presence of ECOMIG troops. “If you see the crime rate increasing, it is because President Barrow rendered our security to the hands of ECOMIG. Even his personal security is in ECOMIG’s hands. Only Gambian security forces can secure this country,” he said.
Bensouda accused the incumbent administration of failing to take state security seriously. He argued that the security sector must be better equipped and its personnel motivated through improved wages. With these reforms, he claimed, The Gambia could become one of the safest countries in the world.
The coalition leader also vowed that a future Coalition 2026 government would show zero tolerance for corruption and the misuse of public resources for personal gain. Addressing socio-economic challenges, he outlined ambitious plans to tackle poverty and housing shortages. “We have a program that will eradicate poverty and renting in The Gambia. Before the end of our two terms, there will be no poverty in The Gambia,” Bensouda stated.
Coalition 2026 brings together the National Unity Party, the Unite Movement for Change and other political groups with the shared goal of unseating President Adama Barrow.
Bensouda sharply criticized the ruling party, accusing its officials of living lavishly while ordinary citizens struggle. He condemned the purchase of expensive vehicles and high per diem allowances for officials and their families at a time when taxpayers face economic hardship. “Taxpayers are struggling to pay their taxes; after all, the government uses that fund to buy expensive cars and pay themselves high per diem and travel allowances for themselves and their families. Coalition 2026 won’t accept that. We will return this money to the people and create affordable housing,” he said.
The coalition’s formation marks a significant realignment of opposition forces ahead of the next presidential election, with Bensouda positioning security reform, anti-corruption measures and poverty reduction as central pillars of his campaign.
