The No to Alliance Movement (NAM) was officially launched on September 17, 2026, at Pencha Hall in Senegambia, marking the beginning of a new political chapter. The movement emerged from opposition to the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction's (APRC) alliance with President Adama Barrow's National People's Party (NPP). NAM leaders described the launch as a step towards transforming a protest movement into an organised political force.
The movement's origins date back to disagreements within the APRC after sections of the party leadership decided to enter into a political alliance with the NPP government following the departure of former President Yahya Jammeh from The Gambia. National Assembly Member Almameh Gibba, speaking on behalf of the First Deputy Leader of NAM, outlined the movement's origins, political philosophy, and future ambitions.
Speakers at the launch maintained that their opposition to the alliance was based on political conviction rather than hostility, arguing that APRC supporters had the constitutional right to reject the arrangement and organise around an alternative political platform. They stressed that the movement remains committed to peaceful political participation, dialogue, and respect for democratic institutions.
The event highlighted NAM's electoral performance in recent years, including securing five National Assembly seats across the five constituencies of Foni during parliamentary elections and winning seven councillor seats in local government polls. Leaders described these results as evidence of growing grassroots support and political relevance.
NAM unveiled a broader political agenda centred on what it calls the four pillars of Progress, Unity, Self-Reliance, and Humility (PUSH). The movement's leaders recounted challenges faced by supporters during political activities, including alleged confrontations with law enforcement authorities, restrictions on political gatherings, and arrests of activists.
The launch brought together party officials, National Assembly Members, councillors, community leaders, and invited guests. NAM leaders called for reconciliation, describing the launch as a new beginning for the movement. They emphasised their commitment to peaceful political participation and respect for democratic institutions.
The No to Alliance Movement's emergence is seen as a significant development in Gambian politics, with the movement aiming to provide an alternative platform for APRC supporters who disagreed with the alliance with the NPP. The movement's future ambitions and electoral performance will be closely watched in the coming years.
Key points
- The No to Alliance Movement launches in Gambia, calling for reconciliation and unveiling a new political agenda.
- NAM emerged from opposition to the APRC's alliance with President Adama Barrow's National People's Party.
- The movement secured five National Assembly seats and seven councillor seats in recent elections.
