By Seedy Jobe
Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang has strongly rejected former Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie’s recent criticism of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, characterizing the youth minister’s remarks as a “failed attempt” motivated by personal grievances.
Badjie had accused Mayor Bensouda of incompetence, alleging nearly a decade of unfulfilled promises and a lack of visible development in the municipality. His comments, delivered during the president’s meet-the-people tour event, drew swift backlash from supporters of the incumbent mayor.
Hon. Sanyang said Badjie’s effort to discredit the mayor fell flat. “Bakary Badjie’s attempt to denounce the mayor before KMC residents was a failure. He expected applause but received silence from the thousands at the political rally. The crowd viewed him as a defeated and bitter former minister whose motives were purely personal,” Hon. Sanyang stated.
He added that Mayor Bensouda continues to enjoy strong public confidence. “Gambians’ understanding of effective local governance is tied to Talib’s work. Any accusation that contradicts this record will be rejected as false,” he said.
Mayor Bensouda has not publicly responded to Badjie’s claims. The exchange highlights mounting political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections, as supporters rally around the incumbent KMC leadership.