Unite Party leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda has clarified the nature of his relationship with United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and veteran politician Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, saying the two have taken different political paths but continue to maintain mutual respect.
Speaking during an interview with Gambia Talent Promotion in the United States, Bensouda dismissed speculation of a bitter personal fallout with Darboe, describing their current relationship as “strictly distanced” while insisting that it is free of animosity.
The comments come amid growing public discussion over an apparent widening divide between the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) mayor and the longtime UDP leader, following Bensouda’s emergence as the head of the newly formed Unite Party.
Addressing the reported rift, Bensouda likened their political separation to the natural evolution of a child leaving home to pursue an independent future.
“We just don’t share the same political vision; we have gone our separate ways,” Bensouda said. “But whenever we cross paths, there is nothing there but peace and respect.”
He stressed that while they no longer share the same political platform or strategic outlook, their relationship remains cordial and respectful.
Bensouda also used the interview to defend his political movement and respond to critics within the executive branch. He claimed that his camp possesses extensive intelligence networks that provide information from within government, including the State House, although he did not present evidence to support the assertion.
The Unite Party leader has increasingly positioned himself as an independent political force since breaking away from the UDP, signalling a new direction ahead of Gambia’s evolving political landscape.
His remarks are likely to fuel further debate over the changing dynamics within the country’s opposition politics, particularly as new alliances and political formations continue to reshape the electoral landscape.
While acknowledging that his relationship with Darboe has changed, Bensouda maintained that political differences should not be mistaken for personal hostility.
“We have gone our separate ways,” he reiterated, underscoring that respect continues to define their interactions despite their differing political visions.
