The Government of Gambia has ordered the removal of three council leaders elected on the ticket of the United Democratic Party (UDP). The leaders are KMC Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, BCC Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, and Mansakonko Chairman Landing B. Sanneh. This decision was made after the government accepted the adverse findings of a commission of inquiry into the administration, governance, financial management, and use of public resources by eight local government councils.
The commission of inquiry was established in February 2023 by President Adama Barrow under Section 200 of the Constitution and Legal Notice No. 7 of 2023. The commission's report and a White Paper were published on Friday, detailing the findings and recommendations for each council. The government stated that the conduct of the three council leaders was inconsistent with good governance and that weak enforcement, rather than legislative gaps, enabled mismanagement.
According to the commission's report, Mayor Bensouda was recommended for economic crime, surcharge, legislative review, fitness for public office review, improper behaviour, and negligence. The government entered a formal record of oversight failures against Bensouda, citing improper behaviour, negligence, abuse of office, and failure in his supervisory role. His case has been referred to the Kanifing General Council to initiate removal under Section 20(1) of the Local Government Act 2002.
Mayor Lowe was also recommended for economic crime, surcharge, legislative review, fitness review, improper behaviour, and negligence. The government accepted the legislative review recommendation but noted that the existing legal framework sufficiently addressed governance and financial management. However, the government stated that weak enforcement was a major issue. Lowe's case has been referred to the Brikama General Council for removal due to improper behaviour, negligence, and failure in oversight.
Chairman Sanneh of Mansakonko was recommended for economic crime review, surcharge, legislative review, fitness review, and improper behaviour and negligence. The government noted that Sanneh acknowledged major governance failures, admitted to key financial practices occurring without Council approval, and accepted the existence of unresolved audit findings and internal control weaknesses. The government has directed the Mansakonko General Council to review Sanneh's fitness to hold public office in accordance with relevant laws.
The government stated that the publication of the report and White Paper fulfils its commitment to accountability in local governance. The cases of the three council leaders will be reviewed and acted upon by their respective General Councils. If removed, their positions will be filled according to the Local Government Act 2002. The opposition UDP has not yet commented on the government's decision.
The decision to remove the three council leaders has significant implications for local governance in Gambia. The government has demonstrated its commitment to accountability and good governance, but the opposition may view this move as politically motivated. The situation will be closely watched as it unfolds.
Key points
- The Gambia government has ordered the removal of three opposition mayors and a chairman due to improper behaviour, negligence, and abuse of office.
- The decision was made based on the findings of a commission of inquiry into local government councils.
- The cases of the removed leaders will be reviewed and acted upon by their respective General Councils.
