Essa Faal has accused the UDP of breaching an agreement among opposition parties after Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe publicly cast doubt on the prospects of a coalition between the UDP and APP-Sobeyaa.

The APP-Sobeyaa leader said parties involved in coalition talks had agreed not to attack or criticise one another in public, but claimed Darboe’s remarks crossed that line.

“We have made a commitment, by all entities represented in these coalition talks, that we should treat each other with respect and dignity and not go out and speak ill of each other,” Faal said.

His comments came after Darboe suggested that the UDP would not accept being led by a smaller party and indicated that a coalition with Faal’s movement was unlikely.

Faal, however, insisted coalition talks were still ongoing and urged political actors to focus on unity rather than personalities.

“I do not believe in name-calling. I do not believe in attacking personalities,” he said.

The lawyer and politician also dismissed suggestions that his push for opposition unity was driven by personal ambition.

“What I am doing is not for me. It is not for personal benefit. I am doing it for my country,” he added.

Despite the growing war of words, Faal maintained that his goal remains building a united opposition front capable of challenging President Adama Barrow in the 2026 presidential election.

By Adama Makasuba