By Fatou Sillah
Lamin Manneh, Deputy Secretary for External Affairs of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has reaffirmed that the party remains stable and united despite recent executive resignations, including that of Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, who stepped down as the party’s Organizing Secretary.
Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Manneh emphasized that departures are a normal part of political life and would not undermine the party’s foundation.
“The party is already stable; people will come and go. Nobody in a political party wants to lose its members because parties live on membership and support, but when people decide to go, they exercise their democratic right. Those who left, we wish them good luck, and the show goes on,” he said.
Responding to speculation that Mayor Bensouda may form a new political party, Manneh insisted that such a move would not pose a threat to the UDP’s influence.
“Talib has not even left yet; he only left an executive position. Change is the only constant thing in any society, but if he goes, nobody’s indispensable, nobody’s irreplaceable,” he stated.
Manneh further stressed that the UDP will not tolerate any disrespect toward Bensouda or other members, regardless of their political choices. “We would not condone anybody being disrespectful to Talib or any other person, for that matter. If he were to choose to go, I would still respect his right to leave the party and go do something else, but we will not condone anybody disrespecting him,” he assured.
Looking ahead, Manneh expressed confidence in the UDP’s prospects in future elections, pledging the party’s commitment to integrity and fair play. “UDP will go out and fight any election fairly and win it squarely. We don’t believe in cheating. We don’t believe in corruption; we have zero tolerance for all of those things,” he said.