Africa-Press – Gambia. Sainey Jawara, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Lower Saloum, has criticized Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, telling residents of Saloum that they only recognize President Adama Barrow as their leader.
Jawara made the remarks while presenting motorbikes and water tanks to communities in Saloum.
“When did Talib ever come to this village? He doesn’t know your living conditions. It is we who live here with you,” Jawara said.
He went on to dismiss the opposition, saying they have achieved nothing tangible. Referring to Mayor Bensouda, he added, “I saw him give only one motorbike to the people of Saloum, but today we are providing seven. What has he even done in KMC?”
Jawara reiterated that in Lower Saloum, residents only recognize President Barrow, urging them to be cautious of anyone who approaches them with forms or political promises.
“We are with President Barrow. It is President Barrow who brought us this democracy. I am pleading with you—Lower and Upper Saloum cannot belong to the opposition,” he declared.
In response, Momodou M.C. Cham Jr. of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC) rebuked Jawara’s remarks, noting that the lawmaker had claimed he would not talk about the UMC but ended up dedicating much of his speech to it.
“This only shows how powerful and relevant our movement has become in the national conversation,” Cham stated. “The fear, the attacks, and the panic all point to one truth—the UMC is the future. And the future belongs to those who unite, move, and change their country.”
Cham emphasized that although the UMC is not yet a political party, it has quickly gained national traction. “In just a few weeks, the movement has captured the hearts and minds of Gambians across all regions,” he said.
He added that while Hon. Jawara may choose to distribute motorbikes, “leadership is not measured by handouts but by service, trust, and impact. Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has already shown what effective, transparent, and people-centered leadership looks like.”
Cham further highlighted the progress made under Mayor Bensouda’s leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), citing improvements in infrastructure, waste management, and youth empowerment—achievements that secured his re-election with 54% of the vote.
He concluded, “While others depend on state resources and political patronage, the UMC thrives on ideas, discipline, and credibility. If a movement that isn’t yet a political party can unsettle the ruling establishment this much, imagine the transformation once the people fully unite behind it.”
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