Bensouda Forecasts Major Political Shift as UMC Prepares for National Congress

By Makutu Manneh

Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of the United Movement for Change (UMC) has projected that the movement’s upcoming national congress on May 16 will mark a turning point in Gambian politics, describing it as a “political earthquake” that will signal the arrival of a formidable new force.

Speaking at a recent meeting in Sabach Sanjal, Bensouda expressed confidence in the movement’s rapid rise, asserting that UMC would emerge as the largest political party in The Gambia before September 2026.

“I am promising you that before September 2026, UMC will be the biggest political party in The Gambia. We want the country to be shaken by our national congress,” he said.

The mayor also vowed to replicate his 2023 mayoral election victory—where he defeated a candidate backed by President Adama Barrow—in the upcoming December 5 presidential election.

Despite warnings from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of possible legal action against unregistered political groups organizing congresses, UMC appears undeterred and intends to proceed with its plans.

Bensouda highlighted the movement’s organizational progress within a short period, noting that the six-month-old movement has already established bureaus across all regions, with logistical support provided to its leadership at both regional and local levels.

“A movement that is only six months old now has bureaus in every region. All our chairpersons have motorbikes, and regional chairpersons have vehicles,” he stated.

He emphasized that these developments represent only the beginning of the party’s ambitions, expressing strong belief in UMC’s prospects in the forthcoming presidential election.

Bensouda further called on supporters to intensify their efforts, stressing that both the ruling establishment and opposition parties are closely monitoring the movement’s trajectory.

He concluded by underscoring the movement’s commitment to national development, stating that UMC aims to address the challenges facing the country, particularly those affecting young people and women.