By Makutu Manneh
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council and leader of the UNITE Party, has called on President Adama Barrow to publicly condemn the reported demolition of part of a Gambian military camp in Foni Bullock by Senegalese soldiers, arguing that The Gambia must firmly defend its sovereignty despite its close ties with neighboring Senegal.
Speaking in a video posted on his Facebook page, Mr. Bensouda said reports that Senegalese troops used bulldozers to demolish sections of a Gambia Armed Forces camp were deeply troubling and warranted an immediate response from the country’s leadership.
“More concerning is that the President of the nation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has not come out to assure Gambians or to condemn this act,” Mr. Bensouda said.
He argued that the government’s silence had heightened public concern over the incident, saying effective leadership requires clear and deliberate action during moments of national uncertainty.
Mr. Bensouda acknowledged the longstanding relationship between The Gambia and Senegal but said friendly bilateral ties should not come at the expense of national sovereignty.
“We are partners with the Senegalese, but we have our own country,” he said. “But this is what happens when you outsource your security and energy; nations don’t take you seriously.”
The mayor said President Barrow should “draw a red line” by making clear that any action perceived as violating Gambian sovereignty is unacceptable, regardless of the relationship between the two countries.
Mr. Bensouda also framed the incident as a broader test of political leadership ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election. He said the election would offer voters an opportunity to assess how national leaders respond to issues of security and sovereignty.
He questioned whether Gambians wanted a commander-in-chief who remained silent at a time when citizens were concerned about their personal safety and the country’s territorial integrity.
Mr. Bensouda said The Gambia needs leadership capable of strengthening the country’s energy, food, and border security, arguing that these issues are essential to preserving national independence and ensuring the country’s long-term stability.
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