As The Gambia’s presidential election scheduled for December 5 draws closer, the political landscape is shifting with former President Yahya Jammeh’s ‘No To Alliance’ movement preparing to reveal its strategic direction. According to National Assembly Member for Foñi Kansala, Almameh Gibba, Jammeh is expected to announce the movement’s position soon, with his return to the country seen as a pivotal factor in any potential coalition agreement.
Movement Rebuilding and Consulting Members
Gibba, speaking to The Standard, indicated that the movement is currently in a phase of rebuilding its structures and engaging in consultations with its members. The goal, he said, is to likely join an opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Adama Barrow. However, he stressed that there is currently “no signal” that the movement would support the incumbent president.
“But for other political parties who are opposition, I can tell you that we will join with a coalition,” Gibba stated, emphasizing that no opposition party has been ruled out, including emerging coalitions around parties such as the UDP, UMC, and NDP.
Conditions for Coalition Participation
The final decision on coalition participation, Gibba explained, will be made by the movement’s executive in consultation with Jammeh and supporters both in The Gambia and the diaspora. He made it clear that joining a coalition would not be a mere formality.
“It will not be merely for the sake of joining a coalition. It would depend on the terms and conditions that we are going to put across to all political parties that we are going to join with,” he emphasized.
Gibba also noted that the movement has not ruled out fielding its own presidential candidate if its conditions—which include the return of Jammeh—are not met. However, he admitted that joining a coalition holds “the bigger chance” of electoral success in December.
Jammeh’s Commitment to Return
Addressing Jammeh’s status, Gibba said the former president is committed to returning to The Gambia to live as a normal citizen and to support peace and reconciliation efforts. He reassured Gambians of Jammeh’s dedication to the nation.
“I can assure Gambians that Jammeh loves this country more than anyone can imagine. This is why he is very worried about the country’s current insecurity and committed to come home and support in that area,” Gibba said. He added that Jammeh has assured them that his return will not pose any security challenge to the country or its people.
Historical Context and Movement’s Role
The ‘No To Alliance’ faction broke away from the Barrow-era coalition with the APRC and maintains loyalty to Jammeh, with his input considered decisive on electoral strategy. Gibba cited the movement’s role in the 2021 election, when it backed GDC leader Mamma Kandeh, claiming its grassroots base contributed significantly to GDC’s votes.
Jammeh ruled The Gambia for 22 years after seizing power in a 1994 coup. He was defeated in the December 2016 presidential election by coalition candidate Adama Barrow. Following weeks of political deadlock and regional intervention by Ecowas, Jammeh conceded and went into exile in January 2017. He has since been based in Equatorial Guinea, where he was granted asylum. His absence has loomed over the former ruling APRC.
Awaiting the Announcement
With coalition talks intensifying ahead of December, Gibba urged supporters to remain patient pending Jammeh’s announcement. He described the ongoing process as one of building, restructuring, coordinating, and reconciling differences.
“When that is done, we will come up with who do we join as a coalition and that would be announced by Jammeh soon,” he said.
Source: The Standard
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