Bensouda Pledges to Review Sanyang Seaport Deal, Raises Concerns Over Displacement and Fishing Livelihoods

By Fatou Sillah

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leader of the UNITE Party and presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, has pledged to review the government’s proposed Sanyang seaport agreement if elected president on December 5, raising concerns about the project’s potential impact on residents, particularly homeowners and fishing communities.

Speaking at a Coalition 2026 rally in Sanyang, Mr. Bensouda questioned the necessity of constructing a new seaport in the area, arguing that the government had not adequately justified the project when, according to him, the existing Banjul Port was not operating at full capacity.

He expressed concern that the proposed development could displace residents whose properties fall within the project area and disrupt the livelihoods of fishermen who depend on the coastline for their daily activities.

Mr. Bensouda said the uncertainty surrounding the project had left some residents worried about the possibility of losing their homes, while fishing communities faced potential restrictions on access to traditional fishing grounds.

He argued that major infrastructure projects should take into account the welfare of affected communities, questioning whether the proposed port would deliver sufficient benefits to justify its potential social and economic consequences.

The Coalition 2026 candidate promised that his administration would examine the agreement if he wins the presidential election.

“If you voted for us on December 5th, we will review that contract,” he told supporters.

Mr. Bensouda did not specify which aspects of the seaport agreement would be reviewed or whether a Coalition 2026 government would seek to renegotiate, modify, or terminate the arrangement.

His remarks highlighted concerns about the potential consequences of the proposed development for Sanyang residents, particularly those whose homes and livelihoods could be affected.

Turning to the energy sector, Mr. Bensouda warned that electricity tariffs would increase if President Adama Barrow secured another term in office.

He accused the government of misleading Gambians about improvements in electricity supply, arguing that the additional generators brought into the country had not resolved persistent power shortages.

According to Mr. Bensouda, consumers would continue to experience electricity disruptions while facing higher tariffs under another Barrow administration.

“After the election, they are going to increase the price of electricity, and there will be shortages,” he said.

He questioned the government’s claims of progress in the energy sector, maintaining that electricity supply remained unreliable despite investments in power generation.

Mr. Bensouda did not provide evidence of a confirmed government plan to increase electricity tariffs after the election.

He urged Gambians to critically examine the administration’s record on infrastructure development, electricity supply, and other national issues before casting their ballots on December 5.

The Coalition 2026 candidate maintained that development projects should address the needs of ordinary Gambians without imposing unnecessary hardship on communities whose homes and livelihoods could be affected.