Coalition 2026 unveils 3 pillars, 13 policies, 66 actions to transform Gambia by 2031

Coalition 2026, led by UNITE leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has unveiled its manifesto titled ‘The Gambia We Deserve’, outlining 3 pillars, 13 policy points and 66 priority actions it says will be completed by 2031 when The Gambia turns 66 years old. Speaking at the launch on October 22, 2026, ahead of the December presidential election, Bensouda said the manifesto is built around governance and trust, human development and economic integrity, simplified into three commitments of trust, people and prosperity. The plan includes a constitutional review and referendum within two years, raising health spending to 15% of the budget, and establishing a National Development Bank to drive job creation and economic growth. Bensouda said the plan includes 3 pillars, 13 policy points and 66 priority actions, explaining that the figure aligns with The Gambia’s age in 2031.

He expatiated on the plan: "Do you remember, in one of our major promises, we said that people who do Islamic studies will be appointed at embassies in Islamic countries? That brought the number to 66. And then I came to a realization: we are promising 66 actions within 5 years of elective office. And that will end in 2031. And we found out that The Gambia will turn 66 years old in 2031. So, by 2031, when Gambia is 66, we will have completed the 66 actions that will transform this nation. " Bensouda described the gathering not simply to launch a manifesto, but to present a national programme for rebuilding The Gambia and restoring the promise of the country's democracy. “This document answers a fundamental question,” he says. “What kind of country do we want to leave for our children? And what must we do to build it? " Bensouda highlighted that Gambians continue to face a high cost of living, youth unemployment,…