Journalist Waan declares bid to run for president

Gambian Journalist Sulayman Waan on Thursday 23 October 2025 declared his intention to run for Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election as an independent candidate under The Change Front (CF) Movement. He made the declaration at YMCA Hall in Kanifing.

Below is the full text of the presidential declaration speech by Mr Waan which reads:

Fellow Gambians, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen,

I greet you all with humility, with gratitude, and with an unshakable faith in the promise of our beloved nation, The Gambia. From Banjul, Basse to the diaspora, from our towns to our villages, I extend my warmest greetings to every Gambian who carries within them the dream of a better tomorrow.

Today, I stand before you not only as Sulayman Waan — a son of this soil, a journalist who has walked among you, listened to your struggles, and shared in your hopes — but as a servant ready to take on the highest responsibility of our land. After years of reflection, service, and sacrifice, I formally declare my candidacy for the Presidency of The Gambia in the 2026 elections under The Change Front.

My fellow citizens, for far too long, The Gambia has endured hardships that do not reflect our true potential. We are a nation blessed with brilliant people, rich culture, fertile land, and unmatched resilience, yet we continue to suffer under the weight of high living costs, a fragile economy, failing healthcare, struggling education, and widespread unemployment. Our women remain underrepresented, our youth underutilized, and our national resources mismanaged.

This is not the Gambia we deserve. This is not the Gambia our children should inherit.

We now stand at a crossroads in our history. We either continue along the path of despair, or we rise together to chart a bold new course — one that will transform this small nation into a modern and prosperous state.

I have seen the challenges firsthand, not from the comfort of distance, but up close, as a journalist among the people. I have reported on the hunger in our communities, the broken systems that fail our citizens, and the dreams that too often go unrealized. These experiences have shaped my conviction that The Gambia is ready for change — real change — and that change begins with courageous leadership.

My vision is clear:

A unified and corruption-free Gambia where integrity is the foundation of governance.

An economy that works for all, with opportunities for decent employment and fair wages.

A modern agricultural sector that ensures food security and prosperity for our farmers.

A healthcare system that saves lives and restores dignity.

An education system aligned with the job market, equipping our youth with the skills they need to succeed.

A secure and just society where every Gambian feels safe, respected, and valued.

Through The Change Front, we will introduce two robust economic transformation models, modernize agriculture, reform education, strengthen national security, and implement money-saving initiatives to cut wasteful spending. These policies are practical, achievable, and designed to uplift every Gambian within a reasonable period.

But let me be clear: transformation will not come from one man or one movement alone. It requires the unity, strength, and determination of all Gambians — men and women, young and old, across every faith, region, and community. Together, we will reclaim the greatness of our nation.

I pledge to lead with transparency, accountability, and good governance. With these values, we will not only achieve the Sustainable Development Goals but also build a Gambia that stands as a model of progress and justice in Africa.

Fellow Gambians, our future is in our hands. Let us choose hope over despair, unity over division, and progress over stagnation. Together, we will build a Gambia that shines as a beacon of democracy, opportunity, and dignity for all.

I invite you to join me and The Change Front in this historic journey. Let us rise together, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet unborn.

May God bless The Gambia, and may He guide us on this noble path of change.