National Unity Party (NUP) leader Dr Lamin J. Darbo has condemned an audio recording allegedly attributed to Imam Daaru Sanyang, in which the imam is heard calling on Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda to join the army and lead a coup to become president.

In a solidarity statement dated August 27, 2026, Darbo described the alleged remarks as “reckless” and a threat to The Gambia’s democracy and peaceful coexistence.

Darbo also condemned an alleged reference in the recording to Gambians not electing a “Narr,” saying ethnicity should never be used as a political weapon.

“I condemn these statements in the strongest and most unequivocal terms,” Darbo said.

He expressed solidarity with Bensouda, describing the mayor’s leadership of the Kanifing Municipal Council and commitment to public service as representative of a new generation of Gambian leadership.

Darbo called on Gambians to reject what he described as politics of insults, tribalism and religious provocation, urging politicians instead to focus on issues including the cost of living, youth employment, healthcare, education, access to clean water, accountability and good governance.

He said the presidency and other public offices must be determined solely by the will of Gambian voters through free elections, the Constitution and the rule of law.

“The presidency, and every office of public trust in The Gambia shall be determined by one principle alone — the sovereign will of the Gambian people, freely expressed at the ballot box,” he said.

Darbo urged young people and citizens to remain calm and committed to peace, justice, unity and the rule of law.

“The Gambia belongs to all of us,” he said, adding that the country’s ethnic diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.

He concluded by calling for the protection of The Gambia’s democratic values and peaceful coexistence.