07/09/2026
Good morning, Gambia!
Coalition 2026 flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda turned up the heat on President Adama Barrow last night in Brikama, telling thousands of supporters that the president has failed the country and should start packing.
With the crowd already warmed up, Talib launched into a full political broadside against the Barrow administration, accusing them of incompetence and blaming the government for a catalogue of national problems.
Among the issues he raised were the deaths of more than 100 babies linked to contaminated cough syrups imported from India, the v!olent k*llings of dozens of Gambians, including young women, and deaths at health facilities linked to shortages of medicines and medical equipment.
Talib also accused President Barrow of failing to find a solution to the country’s persistent blackouts. He claimed the president’s recent trips to Senegal and Guinea-Conakry were aimed at seeking help with electricity.
According to Talib, both countries told Barrow that they were struggling with their own electricity challenges and were therefore unable to come to The Gambia’s aid.
He then unveiled a new nickname for the president: “Blackout Barrow.” The crowd responded with laughter, cheers and applause.
Talib also took a playful swipe at the NPP over the recent clean-up of Serrekunda Market. He thanked President Barrow and his party for the effort, but quickly added that former President Yahya Jammeh used to organise “Set Settal” exercises every month during his presidency, not once every ten years.
He then challenged the ruling party to take the cleaning campaign beyond Serrekunda and extend it to Basse, Kerewan and other areas in the provinces run by NPP chairmen.
On the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, Talib said he had reviewed the report and dismissed suggestions that its recommendations could put a dent in his presidential ambitions.
“I have seen the report, and there is nothing and no one that can stop me from running for president in December,” he told his supporters.
Photo credit: Kerr FATOU
