Ahmed Talib Bensouda criticizes Gambian President Adama Barrow on security and energy dependence
Ahmed Talib Bensouda, the Coalition 2026 candidate and Mayor of Kanifing, has strongly criticized Gambian President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election. Bensouda accused President Barrow of relying too heavily on the Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia ECOMIG for national security, including his personal security. He stated that this dependence indicates a weakness in the Gambian state regarding a strategic area like national security and promised that if Coalition 2026 wins, this responsibility would be repatriated to Gambian forces. Bensouda also attacked the current administration on the energy crisis, blaming Barrow for not developing national electricity production capacity and maintaining a strong dependence on Senegal. He recalled that upon taking office, Barrow sought assistance from then-Senegalese President Macky Sall during an energy crisis. Bensouda argued that this dependence has now backfired, as Senegal's current energy problems have led to a reduction in electricity supply to The Gambia. He pledged that if Coalition 2026 comes to power, energy autonomy would be a priority, with The Gambia producing its own electricity. Bensouda aims to present a break from what he describes as the Barrow regime's dependence on external partners in security and energy.
