KMC Rejects Government Recommendation to Remove Mayor Talib Bensouda

By Fatou Sillah

The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has rejected the government’s recommendation to initiate proceedings for the removal of Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, arguing that the government’s White Paper does not provide sufficient grounds for such action.

The decision was reached on Thursday during a General Council meeting convened to review the government’s White Paper on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of local government councils and related matters.

The council adopted two resolutions presented by Deputy Mayor Binta Janneh Jallow, rejecting both the recommendation to initiate removal proceedings against Bensouda and Volume 2 of the White Paper in its entirety.

In its first resolution, the council maintained that the government’s recommendation alone was insufficient to justify initiating proceedings against the mayor.

“The government’s recommendation as presented, and published, [does not] provide a sufficient basis for the Council to initiate removal proceedings against Mr. Talib Ahmed Bensouda,” the resolution stated.

The council emphasized its obligation to exercise independent judgment and comply with procedures outlined in the Local Government Act, including the presentation of supporting evidence, proper notification, and an opportunity for the mayor to respond to allegations against him.

In a separate resolution, councillors voted to reject Volume 2 of the government’s White Paper in its entirety. The motion received 16 votes in favor, one against, and two abstentions.

The council further resolved that no official should communicate or imply that Bensouda had been removed from office unless a lawful decision had been made by the appropriate authority.

It also directed the Clerk of Council to formally record the resolutions and voting results in the council’s minutes and transmit certified copies to the Minister of Local Government, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Mayor Bensouda and the KMC Chief Executive Officer.