Bensouda Resigns to Pursue Presidential Ambition

By Pa Modou Cham

Kanifing, The Gambia – Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has announced his resignation, effective November 6, 2026, to pursue his presidential ambition ahead of the country’s December 2026 presidential election.

Bensouda made the announcement in a public address to residents of the municipality and Gambians, saying his decision was guided by the constitutional requirement for elected officials seeking higher office to vacate their current positions.

He described his resignation as a difficult but necessary decision, noting that serving the people of Kanifing since his election on May 20, 2018, had been the greatest honour of his life.

“It’s been the greatest honour of my life to serve you, the people of the great municipality of Kanifing,” he said.

Reflecting on his eight years in office, Bensouda said his administration had transformed local governance by shifting the focus of municipal institutions from political activities to service delivery, accountability and institutional development.

He said his administration, working with councillors, directors and council staff, had introduced governance structures, strengthened checks and balances, limited corruption and improved service delivery.

Among the achievements he highlighted were increased revenue mobilisation, improvements in waste management, educational services, market infrastructure and road construction.

According to the outgoing mayor, his administration also worked to change public perceptions of local government and the responsibilities of mayors and councillors.

He maintained that the transformation of KMC had demonstrated that local government could operate as a service-driven institution rather than merely serving as a political platform.

Bensouda, who was re-elected in 2023, said the confidence residents had shown in his leadership had strengthened his commitment to public service.

Explaining his decision to seek the presidency, he said he believed the national platform would provide an opportunity to deliver broader change and address some of the country’s most pressing challenges, particularly corruption and poverty.

“I love my job, I love the people of KM, and I wish I could continue to serve until the end of my mandate. However, this is a greater opportunity to bring bigger impact and remove our country from the clutches of corruption and to lift our people from the destitution of poverty,” he stated.

Bensouda is a candidate of his political party and Coalition 2026 in the race for the presidency.

He assured residents that he would support an orderly transition and remain available to offer guidance to the incoming mayor and the municipality whenever necessary.

He also appealed to the councillors, deputy mayor and other stakeholders at the council to support a smooth transition following his departure.

As he takes leave of the municipality, Bensouda expressed hope that KMC would sustain the governance standards and institutional reforms introduced during his tenure.

He concluded by thanking residents for their support throughout his time in office and called for peace, progress and prosperity for The Gambia.