Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council and presidential aspirant of the UNITE party, has presented a comprehensive blueprint for transforming Gambia. He aims to address pressing challenges such as the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, corruption, tribalism, and national security. Bensouda's vision focuses on restoring public confidence in state institutions and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth without increasing the national debt burden.
Economic revival is central to Bensouda's vision for Gambia. He believes the country's economy can be stabilized through prudent fiscal management, strategic investment, and enhanced support for productive sectors. Bensouda emphasized that his administration would prioritize policies aimed at boosting economic productivity, creating jobs, and attracting investment while ensuring transparency and accountability in public resource management.
Bensouda identified three key priorities for his first 100 days in office, if elected president in 2026. Firstly, he plans to facilitate the smooth withdrawal of the ECOWAS Mission in Gambia (ECOMIG), allowing the country to assume full responsibility for its security affairs. Secondly, he aims to accelerate Security Sector Reform (SSR) to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and effectiveness within security institutions.
Bensouda's third priority is the repeal of the controversial Public Order Act provisions requiring citizens to obtain police permits before staging protests. He proposes replacing the permit requirement with a notification system, where organizers would only need to inform the police of their intention to protest. Bensouda emphasized that the police role should be to provide security and protection for protesters, not to determine whether citizens can exercise their constitutional rights.
Bensouda also addressed the issue of tribalism, describing it as a growing threat to national unity and security. He plans to introduce legislation to criminalize tribal discrimination and incitement while ensuring safeguards against political abuse. Bensouda stressed that such legislation would not be used to silence critics or target political opponents.
On healthcare, Bensouda outlined a comprehensive strategy to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible to all Gambians. He aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, increase access to medicines, and enhance medical services to address citizens' needs across the country. Bensouda emphasized that his goal is a healthcare system that works for every Gambian, regardless of their location or economic status.
Bensouda also pledged to revitalize the agriculture sector through mechanization, increased investment, and targeted support for farmers. He aims to revamp the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Project to boost local rice production and reduce dependence on imported rice. Additionally, Bensouda vowed to pursue a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning that individuals found guilty of stealing public funds would face strict legal consequences.
Key points
- Bensouda plans to prioritize economic recovery, security reforms, and a crackdown on corruption and tribalism if elected president.
- He aims to facilitate the withdrawal of ECOMIG and accelerate Security Sector Reform.
- Bensouda proposes repealing the Public Order Act provisions and introducing legislation to criminalize tribal discrimination.
