Africa-Press – Gambia. Veteran journalist and former Minister of Information, Demba Ali Jawo, has stated that Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s standing within the United Democratic Party (UDP) has become increasingly precarious.
“There are symptoms, definitely, that things can turn chaotic for the party,” Jawo said. “If you listen to Talib he has not gone to tell us he is leaving the UDP, but it appears his position within the party seems quite untenable right now.”
Jawo noted that even if Mayor Bensouda remains within the UDP, his role and influence will likely diminish. He warned that the situation could trigger divisions, as Bensouda’s supporters may reconsider their membership. According to him, should Bensouda decide to leave and take a significant portion of his supporters with him, the impact on the UDP could be considerable.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Talib decided to quit the UDP; it is a possibility,” he said.
He emphasized that Bensouda commands a strong constituency within the party, and any fallout could have serious consequences for its unity.
Jawo attributed the current tensions to a communication gap within the party leadership. He recalled that both Mayor Bensouda and Brikama Area Council Chairman, Yankuba Darboe, had previously made it clear that they would not contest the party’s flagbearership if UDP leader Ousainu Darboe chose to run.
“Mayor Bensouda has said that he asked until the very last minute whether Darboe had applied, and he was told no. That was why he submitted his application,” Jawo explained, adding that the situation could have been avoided if Ousainu Darboe had declared his candidacy earlier.
Despite the brewing internal rift, Jawo commended the UDP for what he described as an unprecedented display of internal democracy, with eleven aspirants vying for the party’s presidential candidacy. “This has elevated the UDP’s democratic profile,” he said.
Nonetheless, Jawo cautioned that the unfolding events represent a critical “make-or-break moment” for the UDP, noting that in The Gambia, it is rare for a party leader to be openly challenged.
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