Africa-Press – Gambia. Human rights activist and Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), Madi Jobarteh, has raised concerns about the political future of Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda within the United Democratic Party (UDP) after his recent resignation from the party’s executive.
In a Facebook post, Jobarteh commended Bensouda for withdrawing from the UDP flagbearer race in line with his earlier commitment, but expressed disagreement with his decision to also step down from the party’s executive committee.
“I do not think he should have resigned his position in the executive,” Jobarteh wrote. “Rather, he should stay and frantically perform his functions to the best of his ability. To demonstrate that it’s not personal but to prove his respect for Darboe, with whom he did not want to compete, as he claimed.”
Jobarteh questioned what meaningful role Bensouda could now play within the UDP following his resignation.
“But if he should resign his position as he did, then politically and logically, he should just continue to leave UDP altogether! Otherwise, what else would he do at the party other than be a distraction – a burden on the party and on himself! Especially if Darboe emerges as the flag bearer. Then he cannot sit there not campaigning for Darboe while he cannot also campaign against him. Awkward. Therefore, what more is left for him at the party? He should not waste his time,” he argued.
Jobarteh further stressed that politics often requires full commitment rather than partial measures.
“Some decisions cannot be half and half. When you take one step, then the whole gauntlet must be taken. Talib is at that point now,” he stated.
Despite his criticisms, Jobarteh applauded Bensouda for honoring his word by withdrawing from the flagbearer contest.
“Once again, I admire Talib for standing by his word! When we betray our word, we are nothing! Good luck, Talib,” he concluded.
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