In a statement responding to UNITE, APP-Sobeyaa said it initially participated in the talks in good faith but withdrew after it could no longer reconcile the process with what it described as the standards of fairness, credibility and integrity required of a national coalition.
The party said its decision had nothing to do with fears of losing the flagbearer contest or securing a Vice-Presidential position, as it claimed UNITE had suggested.
“Essa Mbaye Faal raised numerous reasons for leaving the talks including improper conduct and inducements,” the statement said.
APP-Sobeyaa further claimed that the concerns were not limited to the party, arguing that they were also among the reasons the mediator, former Vice President Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, and the chairman, Prof. Mballow, left the talks.
The party said it entered the coalition process with three possible outcomes in mind “to participate, to lead, or to accept being led, but insisted that any outcome had to emerge through a fair, transparent process founded on trust.
It also rejected UNITE’s portrayal of its proposal for a running mate as evidence that APP-Sobeyaa had already accepted defeat.
According to the party, the proposal was intended to strengthen the coalition, promote inclusion and create a more united leadership structure, rather than secure an alternative position after losing the flagbearer contest.
APP-Sobeyaa also challenged UNITE’s dismissal of claims that the coalition had invested three years in preparing Talib Bensouda for the presidency.
The party said Talib Bensouda, his brother Aziz and Ebrima Dibba had made similar claims during separate engagements. It added that Aziz Bensouda also communicated with APP-Sobeyaa’s National Spokesperson and Lead Negotiator, Ousainou Bobb, in his official capacity.
APP-Sobeyaa questioned UNITE’s description of Aziz as a third party, saying he had been involved in political engagements concerning Mayor Talib Bensouda.
“You cannot have it both ways, maintaining that it withdrew because it refused to compromise the principles it believes should underpin a credible coalition.”
