Talib Ahmed Bensouda, mayor of Kanifing Municipality and presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, has accused both the government and opposition parties of directing attacks at his movement because they consider it a threat ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
Addressing supporters at a Coalition 2026 rally in Medina Sering Mass on Thursday, Bensouda said his coalition had faced repeated criticism and accusations since its formation. He attributed the attacks to concerns among rival political groups about the coalition’s growing presence in the political arena.
“Let’s all be careful,” he told the gathering. “Everybody is fighting us, be it the government or the opposition, because they all know that this coalition is going to be the one to lead the country.”
The coalition leader urged supporters not to be distracted by criticism from rival parties, calling instead for unity and a stronger grassroots campaign as the election approaches.
He claimed that Coalition 2026 was attracting support across the country and appealed to voters to rally behind its campaign for political change. His assertion that the coalition would lead the country, however, reflected his own confidence in the movement rather than an established electoral outcome.
Bensouda also took aim at President Adama Barrow’s bid for another term, comparing the president to “a vehicle without a brake” and warning that he could continue seeking re-election if allowed to remain in office.
“If we leave him in power, he will continue asking for more terms,” Bensouda said.
Presenting himself as an alternative to the incumbent, the mayor called on Barrow to step aside and expressed his ambition to become the country’s fourth president.
The Coalition 2026 candidate also addressed controversy surrounding his earlier comments on family planning, maintaining that his remarks had been misunderstood. He did not provide further details during the address about the statements in question or how he believed they had been misinterpreted.
Bensouda reserved further criticism for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), accusing the party and government ministers of using propaganda and misleading political messaging against his coalition.
“NPP and its propaganda ministers, shame on you,” he said.
He concluded by urging coalition supporters to remain disciplined, avoid distractions and intensify their campaign activities ahead of the December vote.
His remarks reflect the increasingly competitive atmosphere surrounding the presidential race, as Coalition 2026 seeks to establish itself as an alternative to both the governing alliance and established opposition parties.
