By Fatou Sillah
Binta Janneh Jallow, the Deputy Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has rejected claims that she has been sidelined by Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda following his decision to launch a political movement while she remains a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Speaking to the issue, Jallow said her professional relationship with the mayor remains cordial and unchanged, dismissing reports of any rift or marginalisation within the council’s leadership.
“I am not being sidelined by Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda. Every morning I report to him, brief him, and we chat as usual,” she said.
Jallow noted that political differences have not affected their working relationship, noting that both leaders continue to collaborate closely on council affairs and development projects.
“We still have a good relationship. We discuss how to take the council forward and the projects. Nothing has changed between us. He has never shown me any negative attitude,” she said. “Everyone has the right to make their own political decisions. He decided to form a party, and I remain in the UDP—that is okay.”
The deputy mayor also dismissed circulating allegations that she has been marginalised within the council, insisting that cooperation among KMC officials remains strong.
“I am denying the allegations that I have been sidelined by Mayor Bensouda. We have a strong relationship as before, and we are still working together smoothly. No councillor has ever given me any problem,” she said.
Jallow further noted that her relationship with councillors across party lines remains intact, adding that she continues to engage with them regularly in the course of her duties.
“My relationship with the councillors is also fine. They sit in my office every day, whether they are from the UMC or the UDP. Whenever they come to the council, they come to my office,” she said.
She also refuted claims that she was overlooked for an official trip to Madison, which was allegedly assigned to another councillor.
“I did not receive any letter or correspondence from Madison indicating that I should visit, and I never had that discussion with my boss,” Jallow said.
The deputy mayor’s remarks come amid public speculation about internal divisions at the Kanifing Municipal Council following recent political developments, speculation she insists is unfounded.
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