Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia) – The United Democratic Party (UDP) is engaged in ongoing negotiations to keep Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda within its ranks, as the party grapples with a wave of resignations and mounting criticism over the conduct of its militants.
Speaking on Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, Alhaji S. Darboe, Senior Administrative Secretary of the UDP and Minority Leader in the National Assembly, acknowledged that the party is actively working behind the scenes to reconcile with Bensouda, who stepped down as UDP’s National Organising Secretary after being overlooked in the recent flagbearer selection.
Although he refused to be drawn into speculation about whether Bensouda is considering leaving, Darboe admitted that efforts to convince him are ongoing.
“The UDP is not resting. Our elders are doing everything they can to normalize things. That process is on,” Darboe revealed. “It is our wish that Talib remains UDP. We are hopeful that he will listen.”
Pressed on whether the UDP was offering Mayor Talib Bensouda assurances—such as a guaranteed shot at the party’s flagbearer position in 2031—to persuade him to stay. While he refused to confirm such claims, Darboe admitted that “no negotiation can go without an offer,” though he stressed that negotiators would not openly place such promises on the table.
Instead, he explained, the strategy is to find “ways and means to convince” Bensouda to remain. “The idea is to speak one language and solidify the party base,” he said, emphasizing patience and unity within the party as it works to heal internal divisions.
The UDP has been rocked by a cascade of resignations since Ousainou Darboe, the party leader, was selected as the 2026 presidential flagbearer.
Several key figures, including Lamin J. Darboe, have quit, citing disillusionment with the process and frustration over what many saw as sidelining Talib Bensouda, considered by many as the party’s rising star.
Alhaji S. Darboe downplayed the impact of the resignations, describing them as a “minus” but not a mortal blow. “It is not new for UDP. We went through this before in 2018–2019 when many left to join the NPP. Any loss is a minus, but it cannot weaken UDP. Our grassroots structures remain stronger than any political party in The Gambia,” he maintained.
The UDP official also addressed growing concerns about the behavior of some of the party’s militants, who have earned a reputation for insults and political bigotry, especially on social media. Darboe condemned such conduct, insisting it does not reflect the party’s values.
“We branded ourselves as a democratic party, and insults are not part of our norms. Whoever acts in that manner is going against our values,” he stressed. “No mature politician should see an opponent as an enemy. Unfortunately, this culture of insults is happening, and yes, some people attach it to the UDP, but that is not UDP.”
As the party enters a period of soul-searching, Darboe insisted the UDP remain focused on reforming its image and strengthening its base ahead of the 2026 presidential election. “UDP is prepared to give ourselves the best as a political party and to give The Gambia the best. Very soon you will see that unfolding,” he concluded.
