31/05/2026
OPENING STATEMENT BY PAP LEADER AND SECRETARY GENERAL
Distinguished Party Leaders, CSOs (civil society organizations), esteemed delegates, and members of the Coalition Mediation Team; good morning.
I am humbled and honored to welcome you on behalf of People's Alliance Party (PAP) at Boabab to what marks a pivotal moment in our nation's political landscape.
Why this gathering of all opposition political parties, independent political actors, civil society partners, and democratic stakeholders?
I reckon we did not come together merely for show, ceremony, or empty political display. But we have been coming together in response to the overwhelming call of the masses to form a united coalition that will advance the interests, hopes, and aspirations of the people. The fellow citizens that we want to serve wants us (opposition parties, movements, groups etc.) to establish a single united and formidable coalition to contest against a well-entrenched, established, resourceful but unscrupulous incumbent to usher in a more inclusive, responsive and responsible government that will serve the interest and welfare of all Gambians by addressing the challenges and hardships we are facing.
I will not belabor you with the myriad challenges being faced (not by a single political party) by all Gambians resulting to economic and social hardships.
We are all aware of the rising inflation, the high cost of living and the concern of the average Gambian whether their children will receive quality and affordable education, whether jobs will be created for our youths and working-aged citizens, whether healthcare will improve, whether peace and justice will prevail, whether corruption will be address and whether our meagre resources will be managed judiciously.
Our citizens of more than 2 million people have made it clear that they expect a new standard of cooperation amongst barely a dozen representatives of different parties with most herein present. While our parties hold distinct histories and perspectives, our shared commitment to serve The Gambian citizens who are clamoring for a coalition of the opposition parties is enough reason for us to set aside our political differences and let this impending political coalition (coalition in the making) to be a symbol of hope.
Let us answer the clarion calls of The Gambians, our supporters, and prove that political differences can become sources of strength instead of barriers to progress and unity. Different parties, groups and movements under one roof and in the same gathering can produce better & wiser decisions, broader representation and usher in a new but responsible dispensation that we all yearn for.
While each of us may have individual aspirations for the presidency but we ought to realize that the success of this coalition should not be about any one individual; it should be about building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation for all.
I humbly remind all of us that leadership is not measured by how loudly we defend our positions, but by how sincerely we serve the people. True statesmanship is the ability to place national interest above personal ambition.
History is in the making and we will be positively judged not for the positions we sought but by the unity we built and the future we secured for our citizens. A divided opposition weakens the hopes of the people who look to us for leadership, stability, and meaningful change.
I cannot fathom us not coming together because failure to have a formidable opposition coalition will be undoubtedly very costly and a daunting task for individual opposition parties to effectively challenge the incumbent.
Just imagine an extension of the status quo beyond 2026, that will be an unimaginable disaster for most Gambians including opposition political parties.
Therefore, our focus should be on defining our collective priorities, setting up clear and just terms for the formation of a formidable coalition and dispute-resolution mechanisms, and assigning responsibilities with fairness and mutual respect.
Let us approach these negotiations with an open mind and a constructive spirit.
In conclusion, the greatest good we can do in this room and for the Gambians is to heal our party divisions, breakdown the barriers of fear and mistrust, set aside our individual political aspirations/ambitions and come together to unite sincerely in earnest with honesty, fairness and justice so that we can eventually leave this hall with our heads high as one people who are ready to overcome their differences and embrace each other for the greater good of the country.
Is this possible? Indeed. There is a way to forming a coalition but is there a will?
I ask you whether we can come together for a purpose greater than ourselves. Food for thought
Ebrima Tabora Manneh
(Party Leader and Secretary General, PAP)
