Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Lands, Local Government and Religious Affairs, has issued a stark warning to voters ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, declaring that no foreigner will be allowed to lead The Gambia.
Speaking Saturday night at a political gathering in Farafenni presided over by President Adama Barrow, Minister Bah urged Gambians to be cautious in exercising their constitutional right to vote.
“This country will never be Lebanon. Nobody will take over this country. Be careful of your votes. No foreigner will run this country,” Bah said.
He added: “This country is owned by Gambians, and no foreigner will run this country for us.”
Bah did not identify any presidential candidate by name in the remarks. However, his comments have triggered political debate, with some observers interpreting them as an apparent reference to Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council and leader of the Unite Party.
Bensouda, who is expected to feature prominently in the 2026 presidential contest, has previously faced political scrutiny over questions surrounding his family background and heritage.
Bah’s remarks have therefore raised concerns among some political commentators about the increasing use of identity and nationality in the electoral discourse as parties position themselves ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
The minister’s reference to Lebanon appears to invoke the country’s complex history of sectarian and political divisions. However, Bah did not elaborate on the specific circumstances he was drawing a comparison with.
The comments come at a time when the political environment is becoming increasingly competitive, with President Barrow seeking another mandate while opposition parties and emerging political movements intensify their campaigns.
