APP Sobeya Alliance leader Essa Mbaye Faal has sharply criticised ongoing opposition coalition negotiations, alleging that the process was marred by secrecy, predetermined outcomes, and demands to install Talib Bensouda as the alliance’s presidential flag bearer.
Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Faal rejected suggestions that his withdrawal was motivated by personal ambition. He insisted his decision stemmed from disagreements over the alliance’s structure, power-sharing arrangements, and the transparency of the talks.
Faal argued that the role of Vice President should have been resolved before selecting a presidential candidate, warning that failure to do so could destabilise the alliance after an election. He recalled raising the issue during a meeting at the Vice President’s residence, noting that Professor Yero Mballow was the only participant who openly agreed with him.
The former TRRC Lead Counsel dismissed claims that he sought the Vice Presidency for himself, saying discussions with Talib Bensouda and his team showed that securing the position was never his personal objective.
Faal also questioned the voting arrangements within the coalition, alleging that some returning groups were barred from participating despite written provisions allowing their reintegration. He claimed to have received credible reports that the Unite group would reject any coalition arrangement unless Talib Bensouda was chosen as flag bearer, creating the impression that the outcome was already decided.
In an attempt to break the deadlock, Faal said he met Aziz Bensouda, Talib’s chief negotiator, and proposed restructuring the governance arrangement to make Talib Prime Minister, positioning him for a future presidential bid. The proposal was rejected, with Aziz reportedly insisting that Bensouda’s camp had invested heavily for years with the sole objective of making Talib president.
Faal warned that power-sharing discussions must be concluded before a flag bearer is selected, arguing that agreeing on a candidate first would leave other coalition partners vulnerable. Drawing lessons from the 2016 opposition coalition, he said his group was determined not to repeat what he described as its “mistakes and structural weaknesses.”
He added that his withdrawal was finalised after Aziz Bensouda allegedly confirmed that Talib would be the only candidate considered, coupled with reports that the Bensouda family would not accept another contender.
“If the position was already decided, then there was no need to enter into a coalition process where other parties were expected to negotiate,” Faal stated.
