By Seedy Jobe
Hon. Yahya Menteng Sanyang, National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji and a senior figure in the opposition Unite Movement for Change (UMC), said this week that Gambian women are not seeking short-term financial assistance but leadership that creates lasting opportunities for their children.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mr. Sanyang said women across the country have rallied around Talib Bensouda because they see in him the qualities they believe are necessary for long-term national development.
“The women of The Gambia have seen these qualities in Talib Bensouda,” Mr. Sanyang wrote, adding that women make up more than half of the movement’s registered members.
Mr. Sanyang used the statement to criticize President Adama Barrow’s policies aimed at supporting women, questioning their scope and effectiveness. Referring to a government-funded initiative, he asked, “What does 50 million truly do for the women of this nation?”
According to Mr. Sanyang, the UMC’s approach differs fundamentally from that of the current administration. He said Mr. Bensouda’s vision prioritizes building an economic foundation that allows women to achieve financial independence, rather than distributing limited funds drawn from public resources.
“Talib’s vision isn’t about distributing small sums of money collected from the people; it’s about creating the economic foundation for women to earn their own success.”
Mr. Sanyang also framed the UMC’s political agenda as the beginning of what he called a “Season of Transformation,” promising renewed energy and a shift in political culture. He said the movement aims to introduce governance marked by respect, professionalism, and inclusivity.
Looking ahead, Mr. Sanyang said the UMC believes The Gambia will have a new leader by 2026. He added that the party is committed to constitutional reform, including the introduction of presidential term limits by 2027, and to what he described as sustainable development with a strong focus on women and marginalized communities.
“By 2027, we will deliver a new constitution, one that finally establishes presidential term limits. We are committed to unprecedented, sustainable development, with a fierce focus on empowering women and the underprivileged in our society,” he said.
He concluded by urging Gambians to support the Unite Movement for Change, arguing that women have been consistently neglected under the current government and deserve policies that address structural challenges rather than short-term relief.
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