By Fatou Sillah
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council and National Organizing Secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has expressed deep concern over what he described as the Gambia’s gradual return to authoritarian rule. Speaking at a gathering in Farafenni as part of his “Bensouda la Ding Kulliyo”, the Mayor pointed to recent events that, in his view, reflect a troubling trend.
Highlighting the recent arrest of youth protesters in Banjul, Bensouda criticized the use of the Public Order Act—a law often invoked during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.
“We have all seen that dictatorship is coming back to The Gambia,” he stated. “Last week, our youth peacefully protested and were arrested under the same Public Order Act we fought to remove. The very laws that justified Jammeh’s oppression are now being used against the youth. If this continues, dictatorship will return, and we must unite to prevent it.”
Mayor Bensouda also addressed the rising cost of living in Farafenni and the broader North Bank Region, attributing the price hikes to what he claimed was a misstep by President Adama Barrow’s administration. According to Bensouda, a port development project originally negotiated by UDP leader Ousainou Darboe in Dubai was transferred to Senegal.
“The port project meant for The Gambia was handed over to Dakar by President Barrow,” Bensouda asserted. “As a result, goods destined for The Gambia now come through Senegal, requiring currency exchange from Dalasi to CFA, which adds further cost. This decision is contributing to rising food prices and economic strain.”
He emphasized that ordinary Gambians—particularly business owners and mothers—are bearing the brunt of the economic hardship. “Our economy is sinking, and those most affected are the ones working hard to feed their families. We must come together to save this country and support the UDP,” he said.
Calling for national unity, Bensouda urged citizens to resist political division and rally around shared interests. “We are one people. Let no political party divide us. The United Democratic Party stands for truth and will lead The Gambia forward. In 2026, it will be the party that wins the presidency.”
He concluded by reaffirming the UDP’s long standing opposition to dictatorship, crediting party leader Ousainou Darboe as a pioneer in the fight for democratic governance. “The fight against dictatorship began with Ousainou Darboe. To start with truth is to start with the UDP—and to end with truth is to end with the UDP.”