Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda
By Makutu Manneh
The Unite Movement for Change (UMC) has selected a new slate of executive members to guide the political organization, naming Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, as its leader.
The elections took place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the movement’s national congress at a hotel in Kololi. The gathering drew members from across the country and the diaspora, as well as civil society observers and representatives of other political parties.
In remarks following his election by regional delegates, Mr. Bensouda described the congress as more than a routine political event, calling it “a declaration” that Gambians are ready for a new direction. He said the country deserves leadership that is “competent, disciplined, and prepared to govern” and argued that politics should serve the public interest rather than personal ambition.
“Unite is a political national movement not built around one man but built on one mission,” he said. “To unite Gambian people, restore confidence in public leadership, and transform the future of our dear republic.”
Mr. Bensouda pointed to widespread economic and social concerns, including youth unemployment, rising living costs, and gaps in infrastructure and public services. He said many citizens remain frustrated by limited opportunities and uneven development.
Across the country, he said, a common question persists: how a nation with significant potential continues to struggle with direction and delivery.
He criticized what he described as a pattern of election-driven politics, in which leaders campaign energetically but fail to govern effectively. “Noise replaces results and promises replace planning,” he said, adding that such conditions had given rise to the movement.
Mr. Bensouda expressed confidence that UMC could prevail in the 2026 elections, emphasizing that its approach would be grounded in reform rather than retribution. Drawing on his experience as mayor, he said governance should be judged by tangible improvements in people’s daily lives—from functioning markets to reliable infrastructure and expanded opportunities.
He framed the movement as a nationwide effort, extending beyond urban centers to communities across The Gambia, including Basse, Brikama, Farafenni, Soma, Kerewan, and Janjanbureh.
The congress, he added, comes at a time of growing concern about public institutions, the use of state power, and trust between citizens and leaders.
“My fellow Gambians, we meet at an important moment of our national life. There are growing concerns about the direction of our institutions, use of state power, and growing mistrust between citizens and leadership,” he stated.
The newly elected executive members include
- Here are the Executive Members of the UMC:
- Movement Leader – Talib Bensouda
- Deputy Leader for Finance and Administration – Yahya Sanyang
- Deputy Leader for Campaign and Mobilisation – Karafa Sonko
- Deputy Leader for Governance and Public Policy – Neneh Freda Gomez
- Deputy Leader for Political Matters and Media Relations – Kemo Bojang
- National President – Ebrima Dibba
- Deputy National President – Tijan Camara
- Secretary General – Dembo Kanteh
- Deputy Secretary General – Musa Camara
- National Coordinator – Habib Ceesay
- Deputy National Coordinator – Buba Jabang
- National Campaign Manager – MC Cham Junior
- Deputy National Campaign Manager – Ebrima Ceesay
- National Treasurer – Tombong Saidy
- Deputy National Treasurer – Karamo Ceesay
- Secretary of Media and Communications – Bintou Camara
- Deputy Secretary of Media and Communications – Aisha Bah
- Secretary for Foreign Affairs – Jai Paul
- Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs – Yusupha Sey
- National Auditor – Kebba Gibba
- Deputy National Auditor – Ma Suwareh
- National Youth President – Tobaski Sibi
- Deputy National Youth President 1 – Alagie Njie
- Deputy National Youth President 2 – James Folleh
- National Youth Wing Secretary – Omar Bah
- National Female Youth President – Joko Fatou Njie
- Deputy National Female Youth President 1 – Kaddijatou Njie
- Deputy National Female Youth President 2 – Salima Njie
- Female Youth Wing Secretary – Fanta Ceesay
- National Women’s President – Matty Kanyi
- Deputy Women’s President 1 – Binta Camara
- Deputy Women’s President 2 – Binta Kinteh
- Women’s Wing Secretary – Maimuna Gaye
- Legal and Constitutional Affairs Secretary – Aziz Bensouda
- Deputy Legal and Constitutional Affairs Secretary – Harriet Fofana
- Social Secretary – Sainabou Faal
- Deputy Social Secretary – Lamin Dibba
- Security and Protocol Secretary – Retired Lt. Col. Lamin Gano
- Deputy Security and Protocol Secretary – Ramatoulie Cham
The appointments mark the formal consolidation of the movement’s leadership as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
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