The All Peoples Party – Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) has withdrawn from the APEX Coalition negotiations after failing to reach consensus on a previously settled power-sharing arrangement.
In a statement issued over the weekend, APP-Sobeyaa expressed gratitude to the coalition and other participating parties for their efforts in building a united opposition front. The party explained that bilateral discussions had not yielded agreement on the power-sharing deal, which it insisted had already been agreed upon by stakeholders.
“In the absence of consensus on this and other outstanding matters, and consistent with the principle that prior agreed decisions may only be changed by consensus, APP-Sobeyaa has therefore taken the decision to withdraw from the APEX Coalition talks,” the statement read.
The party added that it remained thankful for the engagement and wished the coalition success in its continued efforts.
APEX Rejects APP-Sobeyaa’s Reasons
The APEX Initiative responded swiftly, rejecting APP-Sobeyaa’s explanation for its withdrawal. In a statement, APEX said it received the party’s withdrawal letter by email at 4:23 a.m. GMT on September 6, nearly 12 hours before the final negotiation session.
APEX described APP-Sobeyaa’s claims as “not factual,” stressing that no disagreements had occurred over power-sharing arrangements and that no changes had been made to the draft coalition agreement in violation of agreed rules.
“APEX wishes to make a simple clarification that what is in APP-Sobeyaa’s letter as reasons for withdrawing is not factual,” the statement said.
While acknowledging APP-Sobeyaa’s right to withdraw, APEX emphasized its commitment to coalition-building and thanked Gambians for their patience and support. The initiative reiterated its vision of working towards “a Gambia that is better for all.”
