Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leader of the UNITE Party and Coalition 2026 flagbearer, has alleged that the government's White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry contains material not present in earlier drafts of the commission's report. He made these claims in an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez. According to Bensouda, he had access to several versions of the report before it was submitted to President Adama Barrow, including an initial draft, a revised version, and a final signed document.
Bensouda stated that the versions he reviewed did not contain some of the material subsequently reflected in the government's White Paper. He claimed that the first draft was amended and shortened before a second version emerged. Furthermore, he alleged that an analysis of the second draft suggested that about 80 per cent of its content was AI-generated. However, he said the final signed document submitted to the president also did not contain some of the references later included in the White Paper.
Bensouda argued that references in the White Paper to Section 62(3)(c) of the law, which pertains to economic crimes, improper behavior, and misconduct, were not contained in the commission's findings and recommendations submitted to the president. He maintained that recommendations concerning an individual's liability should be supported by evidence established during the inquiry. The KMC mayor questioned the government's decision to accept recommendations for economic crime investigations and other actions against him.
Bensouda cited specific issues raised against him in the White Paper, including the Mbalit waste management project, a D10,000 surcharge, and D13.1 million paid to the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for trucks. He described the commission's proceedings and the government's subsequent response as politically motivated, alleging that the publication was intended to undermine his political ambitions ahead of the presidential election.
The government has published the commission's report alongside its White Paper, outlining its decisions on the commission's findings and recommendations. Bensouda's allegations about differences between the drafts and the final documents have not been independently established. A comparison of the different versions would be necessary to determine whether material was added or altered before publication.
As the leader of the UNITE Party and Coalition 2026 flagbearer, Bensouda's claims have significant implications for the upcoming presidential election. His allegations suggest that the government's actions may be driven by political considerations rather than a genuine desire for accountability. The government's response to Bensouda's allegations remains unclear.
The controversy surrounding the White Paper and the LGCI report has raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the government's actions. The issue has sparked a national debate about the role of commissions of inquiry and the use of their reports in political discourse.
Key points
- Bensouda alleges government's White Paper contains material not present in earlier drafts of LGCI report.
- Government's actions may be driven by political considerations rather than accountability.
- Controversy raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government.
