By Alieu Ceesay
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Gambian politics, Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda on Monday officially registered his new political organisation, the United Movement for Change (UMC), paving the way for a presidential bid in the December 2026 elections.
The registration, submitted at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) headquarters in Kanifing, marks the formal end of Bensouda’s long-standing alliance with the United Democratic Party (UDP), the country’s main opposition party, where he rose through the ranks before emerging as one of its most popular figures.
Flanked by a large crowd of supporters, including National Assembly members, ward councillors, youth leaders, and former UDP stalwarts, Bensouda exuded confidence as he addressed journalists outside the IEC premises.
“We are not registered for one election. We are not registered just to win an election. We are registering to change governance in The Gambia. Of course, we know winning elections is important – and we will win come 2026,” Bensouda declared.
The new party’s vision, he said, centres on “politics with integrity, equality, and inclusion” – principles he argued have been absent from the country’s political landscape.
Supporters echoed the mayor’s ambition. “I believe that in the coming 2026 election, Gambians should vote for Talib to go to State House,” said nominated councillor MC Cham Junior. Ebo Town-Jeswang ward councillor Habibou Ceesay added: “We want to take The Gambia out of poverty, but we can’t do it alone – we have to do it with Gambians.”
Councillors and grassroots mobilisers emphasised their direct connection to voters, insisting the UMC’s strength lies in its deep roots at the community level.
The United Movement for Change now plans to open regional bureaus nationwide and convene its inaugural congress, where Bensouda is widely expected to be elected party leader.
With the new entrant, the 2026 presidential race is set to become even more crowded. Incumbent President Adama Barrow, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, and Essa Mbaye Faal are among those already positioning themselves for the contest. Political observers say that unless opposition forces forge a coalition, President Barrow could benefit from a divided opposition vote.
For Talib Bensouda, widely regarded as a youthful, results-oriented leader after his successful tenure as Kanifing mayor, the launch of UMC represents more than a new party – it is a direct challenge to the old political order and a promise of transformative leadership.
As one supporter put it: “This is the change Gambians have been waiting for.”
