Africa-Press – Gambia. The mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and a member of the United Movement for Change (UMC), Talib Ahmed Bensouda, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, outlined his vision for a Gambia where all citizens can benefit from the nation’s resources, calling for unity and decisive action.
In his New Year’s address, Bensouda emphasized the need for accountability, inclusivity, and tangible progress, declaring,
“2026 is a year when Gambia must change. For every region, every community, and the diaspora, all must be included,” Mayor Bensouda said.
Bensouda criticized the government for the economic hardships confronting ordinary Gambians, noting the rising cost of living and daily struggles faced by many. “The reality is that life is a daily struggle for too many of our fellow citizens,” he said. “The cost of living is too high. When people cannot afford food and basic commodities, it means something is deeply wrong.”
Highlighting the country’s economic challenges, Bensouda cited a record public debt of D129.5 billion and an unemployment rate of 8.3%, with youth unemployment reaching 11.5%. He lamented the failure of successive governments to create opportunities for the nation’s young population.
“We are a youthful population, and that is our greatest blessing. Past governments, and the current one, have failed to create a clear plan for our youth,” he said.
Bensouda also expressed concern over rising insecurity in the country, referencing the tragic killing of 21-year-old Isatou Fatty at her workplace. He called for justice and reaffirmed his commitment to deliver tangible results.
“Isatou Fatty was simply trying to earn an income for herself and her family, so that they may live in dignity. She lost her life in a very tragic and painful way. We strongly condemn this violence and demand justice,” he said.
The mayor further criticized the government’s handling of corruption, referencing the Auditor General’s report and the controversial removal of the Auditor General from office. “Ministries are publicly questioning the Auditor General’s report, and we have seen government press releases attacking the audit reports,” he said. “We have also witnessed the unprecedented, forceful removal of the country’s Auditor General. This action tells you everything you need to know. A government that forcibly removes its own auditor general is not interested in fixing the problems.”
Concluding his address, Bensouda urged Gambians to embrace change, stressing personal responsibility in driving change.
“Change is not just possible, it is essential. No one will save us but ourselves. We must be serious. We owe it to this country,” he said. “We owe it to our children and our descendants,” he said.
He assured citizens that the UMC is actively working and that concrete plans to advance the Gambia will be unveiled in the coming months.
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