Youth Minister Badjie Brands Bensouda KMC’s Worst-Performing Mayor, Questions Presidential Ambitions

By Makutu Manneh

Bakary Y. Badjie, The Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, has sharply criticized Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor and UNITE Party leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda, describing him as the municipality’s worst-performing mayor despite presiding over what he claimed was its highest revenue collection.

Speaking to Barrow 2026, a platform supporting President Adama Barrow’s re-election campaign, during the president’s Meet-the-People Tour in Serekunda on Sunday, Mr. Badjie questioned Mr. Bensouda’s leadership record and his suitability for the presidency.

The minister accused the mayor of failing to deliver on several major development promises made to residents of the municipality, arguing that his performance in local government raised serious doubts about his ability to lead the country.

“The mayor promised to build a mini stadium, construct roads, build more markets and a drainage system, introduce a KMC transport system, and introduce a housing scheme for the municipality but failed to deliver on any of them,” Mr. Badjie said.

He argued that despite the council’s substantial revenue, Mr. Bensouda had little to show for his tenure, portraying the mayor’s record as one of unfulfilled commitments.

Mr. Badjie also challenged the credibility of Mr. Bensouda’s presidential ambitions, suggesting that voters should judge his promises for national development against his performance as mayor.

According to the minister, a leader seeking the country’s highest office must first demonstrate an ability to fulfill commitments made while holding a position of public responsibility.

He maintained that Mr. Bensouda should provide evidence of projects successfully delivered under his leadership at KMC before asking Gambians to entrust him with the presidency.

The criticism comes as political exchanges intensify ahead of the December 5 presidential election, with President Barrow seeking another term and Mr. Bensouda positioning himself as an opposition challenger.

Mr. Badjie’s allegations about the mayor’s performance and the council’s revenue were not independently verified in the account provided. Mr. Bensouda’s response was also not available.