Following their first exploratory meeting, Gambian opposition parties, political movements and civil society organizations convened on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at Baobab Hotel in Bijilo for the second round of coalition talks.
The meeting was hosted by the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) under an initiative of the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) in collaboration with civil society.
Attendance:
The meeting was attended by representatives of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), National Democratic Party (NDP), Unite Movement, National Development Association (NDA), People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Gambia Patriotic Alliance Party (GPAP), APRC No-To-Alliance, among other parties and movements.
Acting Chairman and Secretary of the Coalition Mediation Committee:
The session was chaired by Mr. Ebrima S. Bah and Professor Mballow, who represented civil society organizations as part of the oversight body to ensure transparency and impartiality in the process.
Establishment of Taskforce Committee: Members unanimously selected Professor Yero Mballow to fill the position of Chairperson, which Ebrima S. Bah had hitherto been overseeing. They further nominated a Taskforce Committee, which is charged with drafting a comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide the coalition framework, structure, and code of conduct.
Principles of Engagement: The meeting adopted the following interim principles: transparency, proportional responsibility, zero tolerance for hate speech among partners, and public disclosure of all agreements.
Appreciation:
The parties and CSOs extend gratitude to the GDC for hosting and to Baobab Hotel for providing the venue. We urge all supporters to remain peaceful, avoid tribal rhetoric, and await the outcome of the Taskforce’s work.
Signed,
Ebrima S. Bah, Secretary of the Coalition Mediation Committee
On behalf of Participating Parties, Movements & CSOs
