By Makutu Manneh
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has announced the establishment of a new political initiative called the Unite Movement Gambia, aimed at tackling the pressing needs of Gambians at home and abroad.
“This is a call for all Gambians who are well-meaning, young and old, male or female, home or abroad, to come together and join the movement for change,” Bensouda declared during the announcement.
He explained that the movement was founded by himself and like-minded Gambians with the vision of eventually transforming it into a fully-fledged political party. According to him, the initiative seeks to create a representative platform that addresses the needs of citizens in every village, community, association, and diaspora community worldwide.
Bensouda expressed optimism that through collective effort, shared resources, and a united ambition, Gambians could build a country that ranks among the best in the world.
Highlighting some of the country’s challenges, he pointed to the alarming number of young Gambians risking their lives in search of opportunities abroad. He cited statistics showing that more than 1,200 Gambian youths died last year attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
Expressing concern over this trend, the mayor underscored the urgency of creating opportunities at home to give young people hope and a reason to stay.
“Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and one of the smallest countries in the world. And there is no excuse why we can’t be further ahead. Therefore, this is a call for action,” Bensouda stressed.