As The Gambia gears up for the 2026 presidential elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP), the country’s main opposition, is grappling with an internal crisis over who should be its flagbearer. The debate centers on two prominent figures: veteran leader Ousainou Darboe and Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda. The division has sparked heated discussions among party members and supporters, threatening the UDP’s unity at a critical juncture.
Ousainou Darboe, 77, a human rights lawyer and founder of the UDP, has been a towering figure in Gambian politics since 1996. His decades-long fight against dictatorship, including his imprisonment under Yahya Jammeh’s regime, has cemented his status as a symbol of resilience. Darboe’s supporters argue he remains the party’s best hope to challenge President Adama Barrow in 2026. “Darboe is our rock,” said Fatoumatta Jallow, a UDP stalwart from Banjul. “His experience, sacrifice, and vision for a just Gambia make him the only choice. No one else commands the respect he does.” At a recent rally in Wellingara Tabanding, Darboe described the 2026 election as a “do or die” moment, accusing Barrow’s administration of corruption and mismanagement. This message resonates with his base.
However, Darboe’s age and health have raised concerns among some members, who question whether he can endure another grueling campaign after losses in 2001, 2006, and 2021.
On the other hand, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the young and dynamic Mayor of KMC, has emerged as a compelling alternative. Elected mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, Bensouda has won praise for transformative projects, such as the Serekunda Market cold store, which Darboe lauded as a model of UDP governance. Bensouda’s supporters, including UDP member Yunus Hydara, argue that his youth and proven administrative success make him the ideal candidate to appeal to The Gambia’s large youth demographic. “Talib represents the future,” Hydara said in a controversial Facebook video that led to his expulsion from a UDP WhatsApp group. “We need fresh energy to take on Barrow.”
The push for Bensouda has exposed fault lines within the UDP. Some party members view him as a unifying figure who could rejuvenate the party’s image, while others see his rise as challenging Darboe’s legacy. “Talib is a star, but it’s not his time yet,” said Lamin Ceesay, a UDP elder from Brikama. “Darboe’s experience is unmatched, and sidelining him risks alienating our base.” Others, like Awa Sanyang, a youth mobilizer, counter that Bensouda’s local government achievements demonstrate his ability to deliver results, unlike Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP), which lost key seats to the UDP in the 2023 local elections.
The lack of a clear succession plan has compounded the leadership conundrum, highlighted by growing factionalism. Some members advocate for a younger leader to broaden the party’s appeal.
As the UDP navigates this crisis, the stakes are high. A divided party risks weakening its challenge against Barrow, who has vowed to stay in power until 2027. Darboe’s call for a government accountable to the people contrasts with Bensouda’s focus on tangible development, leaving the UDP at a crossroads. Will it rally behind its seasoned leader or embrace a new generation? The answer will shape The Gambia’s political future.
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