National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Hon. Almameh Gibba, has expressed scepticism about the ongoing efforts by opposition parties to form a political coalition, warning that the talks could ultimately collapse because of what he described as a widespread “hunger for power” among political leaders.
Speaking during an interview on West Coast Radio’s flagship morning programme, Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Hon. Gibba said Gambians had already demonstrated their ability to bring about political change, pointing to the historic 2016 presidential election as evidence.
“Gambians, if they want change, they will do. They did it in 2016. What is stopping them from working towards making sure it happens?” he asked.
However, the Foni Kansala lawmaker argued that the opposition’s current challenges stem largely from leadership rivalries and competing personal ambitions.
“The problem is everybody is hungry for power. That’s the real factor. Everybody wants to be a leader,” Hon. Gibba said.
He further criticised what he described as the proliferation of political parties, movements and counter-movements, arguing that the focus on leadership positions has overshadowed the broader objective of achieving political change.
“Building parties, building movements, counter-movements, leadership on counter-leadership. The focus is not there,” he stated.
Although opposition parties and political actors have continued to engage in discussions about forming a coalition ahead of future elections, Hon. Gibba said he remained unconvinced that the process would produce a lasting alliance.
“Though you’re hearing coalition talks, I know that coalition talks will end up becoming disintegrated,” he insisted.
According to the lawmaker, the success of any opposition alliance will depend largely on the willingness of political leaders to make personal sacrifices and accept compromise.
“I don’t see the reality where leaders are ready to give chance to each other,” he said, adding that genuine political change requires leaders to be willing to step aside or make room for others.
“Because the problem is, if you want change, you have to compromise and give chance to each other.”
The Foni Kansala representative maintained that without genuine compromise and a shared national vision, coalition talks risk being undermined by the same personal ambitions that have historically contributed to divisions within the opposition camp.
