A new opposition alliance has taken shape in The Gambia after seven political parties and movements formally agreed to work together under the Gambia First Coalition ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
The alliance, which was sealed on Friday through the signing of a memorandum of understanding, brings together the United Democratic Party and six other political organisations — ADD, CCC, GANU, GPAP, GEP and PPP.
Five members of the coalition are registered political parties, while CCC and GEP are participating as political movements.
The August 14 agreement marks the latest attempt by opposition forces to consolidate support and reduce fragmentation ahead of the presidential contest. Under the arrangement, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe will carry the coalition’s presidential ticket.
Addressing supporters and representatives at the signing ceremony, Darboe said the agreement reflected a willingness by the participating groups to place national priorities above individual political interests.
He described the occasion as historic, arguing that the memorandum and the accompanying public pledge showed that political organisations with different backgrounds and traditions could still find common ground.
Darboe said disagreements among coalition members were inevitable, but maintained that the alliance was united by a broader objective of forming a government responsive to the needs and expectations of Gambians.
He also sought to present the presidential campaign as a shared responsibility rather than a project centred only on his candidacy.
“The candidate’s name is Ousainou Darboe, and the face on the ballot box will be Ousainou Darboe, but each one of you, our trusted allies, is the candidate,” he said.
The formation of the alliance strengthens Darboe’s position within the opposition field at a time when several parties and movements are pursuing separate coalition arrangements.
Its success, however, is likely to depend on whether the coalition can broaden its membership, preserve unity among its partners and turn the agreement into effective grassroots mobilisation.
Darboe said the door remained open to other opposition parties and movements willing to join the coalition.
The new alliance adds to the rapidly changing political landscape ahead of the December vote, as opposition groups continue to negotiate strategies for challenging the incumbent government while attempting to avoid a divided electoral field.
