Africa-Press – Gambia. The Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and leader of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC), Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has called on President Adama Barrow to step aside at the end of his current mandate, arguing that a decade in office is sufficient time for Gambians to assess the President’s performance.
Bensouda made the remarks on Saturday while addressing delegates at the UMC Women’s National Congress in Farafenni, where he responded to President Barrow’s recent launch of a new manifesto outlining his plans for the next five years.
Addressing supporters, the UMC leader said the President has already been given ample opportunity to deliver on his promises and questioned the need for an additional term.
“We have given President Barrow two terms. What you could not do in 10 years, I do not believe you will be able to do in 15 years. So, President Barrow, it is time. We are telling you to give us State House and let us continue the work,” Bensouda said.The mayor criticized the President for presenting a fresh development agenda without first accounting for the implementation of previous national plans.
“Yesterday, President Barrow unveiled a manifesto outlining what he plans to do over the next five years. But what I want to ask President Barrow is: where is the National Development Plan? Where is the Yiriwa Plan that was introduced years ago?” he asked.
Bensouda argued that while opposition candidates are expected to present manifestos, an incumbent president should instead be judged by completed achievements and measurable outcomes.
“A candidate brings a manifesto, but a sitting president should show us what he has done. A president does not show us what he is doing; a president shows us what he has done,” he said.
He also contended that the rise of social media has transformed political communication and reduced the effectiveness of what he described as deceptive political messaging.
“The politics of deception is over. There was a time when you could sit on GRTS and mislead everyone. But today, all our mothers have TikTok,” he remarked.
During the event, Bensouda paid tribute to the late Yunusa Mbai, commending his dedication and contributions to the political struggle. He urged party members to honor Mbai’s legacy through continued commitment, hard work, and service to the Gambian people.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
