With the declared goal of “rescuing the nation,” Famara Singhateh, a Gambian political candidate living in the United States and a native of Badibou Saba, has formally established a new political party, the Republican People’s Party (RPP), and plans to run for president of The Gambia in 2026. The Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) final registration is still pending.
Singhateh claimed in an audio speech sent to supporters via WhatsApp that the RPP was founded in response to his dissatisfaction with decades of poor leadership, growing poverty, and declining standards of living. According to him, the nation requires a new style of leadership based on national renewal and accountability.
“I have accepted the leadership of the Republican People’s Party, which was created to salvage our country. I am ready to lead The Gambia toward a better future,” Singhateh declared.
The leader of the RPP bemoaned the nation’s sluggish progress since gaining independence, pointing out that the socioeconomic circumstances of regular Gambians have gotten worse recently. He urged citizens to band together in order to bring about significant change.
“Let us unite to move the country forward. Sixty years after independence,
our farmers are struggling, markets are hard, the health system is crumbling, women die in labor, and our hospitals lack basic medicines,” he said.
Singhateh harshly criticized the status of the economy, security, health, and education, calling them signs of systemic failure.
“Our education system is weak, unemployment is high, and citizens no longer feel safe in their homes or workplaces. Those in government care only for themselves, not for the people,” he argued.
He also charged the current administration with poor management and cautioned against giving mandates to leaders who, in his opinion, have not lived up to expectations. “After ten years of mishandling the nation, someone is now seeking another term. “We’re refusing that,” Singhateh declared.
He stated that the Republican People’s Party will prioritize national security, job creation, healthcare improvement, agricultural revitalization, and public institution restructuring.
“The RPP is here to end the suffering of Gambians, ensure equal opportunities for all, and restore discipline, accountability, and fairness in governance,” he said.
Singhateh underlined that the goal of his party is to create a system in which all Gambians, not just a select few, benefit from national resources.
Singhateh’s candidacy was openly supported by his longtime friend Omar Colley, who called him a visionary and committed leader. “As his childhood friend, I have been with him from the very beginning of this journey, offering my full support every step of the way,” Colley stated.
