By Fatou Sillah
The Kanifing Municipality regional chairman of the United Democratic Party, Falang Sonko, says his personal affection for Talib Ahmed Bensouda remains unchanged despite emerging political differences between them.
In an interview with the Grand Bantaba on Kerr Fatou, Mr. Sonko described Mr. Bensouda—the mayor of Kanifing Municipality and a former member of the U.D.P.—as someone he continues to hold in high regard.
“I love him very much,” Mr. Sonko said. “Even if someone touches him, it hurts my heart.”
Mr. Sonko said that while Mr. Bensouda was still within the U.D.P., some supporters had encouraged the young politician to establish his own political party—a move he said he personally discouraged at the time.
“When Talib was with us, people used to come and tell him to start his own party,” Mr. Sonko said. “I told him those people did not love him and did not want the future of the country.”
He said he had advised Mr. Bensouda to exercise patience in politics, noting that many Gambians see him as a potential future leader.
“I told him he is very young and does not need to rush,” Mr. Sonko said. “We want someone who will inherit from us in the future, and many people are looking at him, so he should take things slowly.”
Mr. Sonko added that if Mr. Bensouda believes he can challenge the current president, Adama Barrow, he wishes him success.
“If he believes he can remove President Barrow, then I wish him good luck,” Mr. Sonko said. “We all want to remove Barrow.”
Mr. Sonko said Mr. Bensouda did not consult him before announcing his new political movement. He said he attempted to contact the mayor several times before the public announcement but was unable to reach him.
“I called him three times before the announcement, but he did not answer,” Mr. Sonko said. “I even mobilized people to go and meet him, but he did not want to meet me. I never wanted him to leave, but he did.”
Despite the political developments, Mr. Sonko emphasized that the U.D.P. believes political engagement in The Gambia should focus on policies and ideas rather than personal attacks.
“The intention of the U.D.P. is to bring all Gambians together,” he said. “Politics should be about ideas and policies. People have the right to join whoever they want, but insults and bad behavior should end in this country.”
He added that national unity remains essential for development.
“The Gambia is very small,” Mr. Sonko said. “If we come together as one people, we can develop the country.”
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