Talib Ahmed Bensouda pledges ECOMIG withdrawal and economic reform

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leader of the UNITE party and Coalition 2026, has outlined a political platform centered on security reforms and economic recovery for The Gambia ahead of the 2026 presidential election.

A primary pillar of his campaign is the withdrawal of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG). Bensouda has pledged to close military bases, including the one in Bwiam, and return full responsibility for national security to Gambian forces. He argues that the country should gradually assume its own defense to address local concerns regarding the foreign military presence.

Beyond security, Bensouda’s blueprint includes tackling corruption, tribalism, and the rising cost of living. He aims to stabilize the economy through prudent fiscal management and strategic investment in sectors like agriculture and healthcare, promising to create jobs and improve living conditions without increasing the national debt burden.