Bensouda coalition vows to resist his exclusion from Gambian election
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kerr Fatou
Ebrima Dibba, president of Gambia’s UNITE party, says Coalition 2026 will oppose any attempt to exclude its candidate, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, from the 5 December presidential election. He accuses President Adama Barrow’s administration of seeking to block the candidacy and urges the electoral commission to protect its independence, according to Kerr Fatou.
Ebrima Dibba, national president of Gambia’s UNITE party, has warned that Coalition 2026 would resist any attempt to exclude its candidate, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, from the 5 December presidential election. In an audio statement, he accused President Adama Barrow’s administration of seeking to use the findings of a commission of inquiry into local government authorities and legal proceedings to prevent the candidacy.
Dibba called on the Independent Electoral Commission to preserve its autonomy in the face of political interference. He said the coalition would ensure Bensouda was nominated and would not tolerate his exclusion from the election, warning that such a move could undermine peace and stability in the country. He also said he was ready to sacrifice his life to ensure the candidate’s name appeared on the ballot.
The remarks follow an accusation made on 31 October by Bensouda, mayor of Kanifing and the coalition’s candidate, who said President Barrow was seeking to block his candidacy. The Gambian candidate had also accused Barrow of threatening democracy.
