Africa-Press – Gambia. MC Cham Jnr., Business Councillor at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has responded to remarks made by Dr. Ismaila Ceesay regarding the age of Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of Kanifing Municipality. Cham emphasized that leadership should be evaluated based on performance, competence, and results, rather than age or experience.
“The Gambia does not need political gatekeepers who presume to determine who is ‘too young’ or who is ‘old enough’ for leadership. What the country needs is a commitment to ideas, integrity, competence, and genuine results, not narratives designed to instill fear about age or ambition,” Cham stated.
Cham further highlighted that if experience were the ultimate standard, then President Adama Barrow—who had no national leadership experience, ministerial background, or record of managing major public institutions prior to 2017—would not have been deemed fit to govern. “Gambians entrusted him with the presidency not because of experience but because the nation demanded change and believed in his promise,” Cham noted.
He added that Mayor Bensouda has been elected twice by the people of Kanifing Municipality on the basis of performance, delivery, and a clear development agenda.
“That alone represents a level of public confidence that many national political figures cannot claim. Democratic legitimacy matters, and Bensouda has earned it,” Cham said.
Cham also questioned the credibility of Dr. Ceesay’s remarks, noting that he transitioned directly from academia into a sensitive cabinet position.
“It is therefore somewhat ironic that Dr. Ceesay, who moved directly from academia into one of the most sensitive cabinet portfolios, would question another person’s readiness. If teaching political science qualified him to become Minister of Information overnight, then surely two-term municipal leadership, transparent financial management, and tangible development projects qualify Mayor Bensouda to aspire to national office,” he said.
He stressed that Gambians should assess leaders based on their records and contributions to national progress, rather than personal attacks. “Our national discourse should center on development, good governance, and accountability, as these are the issues that truly matter to the Gambian people,” Cham said.
Concluding his remarks, Cham added, “time for intimidation and condescension has passed, and the future belongs to those who work hard, who lead with sincerity, and who are dedicated to driving the development the country deserves.”
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