By Makutu Manneh
Bakary Badjie, The Gambia’s minister of youth and sports, on Sunday criticized Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, questioning both his performance in office and his bid for the presidency.
Addressing supporters at a National People’s Party political meeting in Kotu Quarry, Mr. Badjie said the country’s political landscape had evolved from a contest between President Adama Barrow and the United Democratic Party to one featuring several presidential hopefuls. He singled out Mr. Bensouda, who also leads the UNITE Party, arguing that he should first account for his record as mayor before seeking higher office.
“You have been mayor for eight years, and you cannot show the road you have constructed; you cannot even show one kilometer of road you have built,” Mr. Badjie told the gathering.
The minister also accused Mr. Bensouda of neglecting his responsibilities at the Kanifing Municipal Council in favor of political campaigning abroad.
“He even forgot he is a mayor and went to do the work of his party,” Mr. Badjie said, referring to what he described as Mr. Bensouda’s recent trip to the United States to campaign for his party. “He is campaigning for the presidency.”
Mr. Badjie urged residents not to be “deceived again,” saying voters would bear responsibility for their choices if they elected leaders who failed to deliver on their promises.
He argued that for President Barrow’s development agenda to continue, the president would need the support of National Assembly members, councillors, and mayors aligned with his administration. He called on voters in Kotu Quarry to back candidates of the NPP-APRC alliance in the upcoming local government elections.
Mr. Badjie also pointed to what he described as the government’s achievements in expanding access to electricity and water, improving road infrastructure, and supporting women, presenting them as evidence of the Barrow administration’s record in office.
Mr. Bensouda has not publicly responded to the minister’s remarks.
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