In a video address on Friday, November 6, Bensouda said his resignation was voluntary and marked the beginning of what he described as the next chapter of his public service through the 2026 presidential elections.
He stressed that his departure was not a removal from office, noting that the Council’s General Council had formally recognized his resignation through a resolution supported by 15 councilors, with two abstentions and one vote against.
“This is a voluntary resignation, not a removal from office,” he said.
Bensouda, who became mayor in May 2018, said he was leaving the municipality with a sense of pride in the work accomplished but also with a responsibility to ensure that ongoing development projects are completed.
Presidential Bid Marks Next Chapter
The former mayor’s address was largely centered on his transition from municipal leadership to national politics, although he did not outline specific campaign plans or announce any immediate political activities.
His decision to leave the mayor’s office follows his emergence as the presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, through his UNITE political movement.
He sought to reassure residents that his departure from the municipality would not mean an end to his involvement in its affairs.
“I may be leaving the Mayor’s office, but I am not abandoning you. My connection to this municipality and my commitment to its people remain,” he said.
Bensouda also used the occasion to call for stronger local government institutions, arguing that municipal councils need adequate resources, greater autonomy and fair institutional treatment to deliver meaningful development.
“Councils cannot be expected to deliver meaningful development without adequate resources, autonomy and fair institutional treatment. Our municipalities must be partners in national development, not institutions constrained by political considerations,” he said.
Leaves Major Projects For Successor
A significant part of his address was devoted to projects initiated during his tenure that remain under implementation or are awaiting completion.
They include the D40 million Mbari Pa Dembo Market in Serekunda, comprising 96 shops; the redevelopment of Bakau Community Center; and a 1,000-seat assembly hall at Charles Jow Memorial Academy.
Other projects include a €500,000 compost plant at Bakau Women’s Garden, a tyre recycling plant awaiting installation, and a D35 million Migrant Resilience Hub designed to support 40 Gambian returnees from Europe.
He also highlighted a D300 million municipal road and drainage project covering 15.6 kilometers of roads and six kilometers of drains, which he said remained held up by national authorities.
The former mayor further cited the second phase of the €500,000 ESSEX revenue maximization project and D18 million worth of waste management equipment, including a shovel loader and bulldozer, expected to arrive by the end of November.
A $1 million Bloomberg Mayors Challenge initiative to employ young people in waste management has also commenced, according to Bensouda.
He urged the incoming municipal leadership and council management to prioritize these projects, describing them as commitments to residents rather than achievements belonging to any individual administration.
Calls For Continuity After Eight Years
Reflecting on his tenure, Bensouda said his administration had sought to make local government more innovative, effective and responsive through improved revenue mobilization, infrastructure investment and partnerships.
He thanked his deputy mayor, councilors, council management and staff, development partners, community leaders, residents and family members for their support during his eight years in office.
His resignation comes as the December 5 presidential election approaches, with Bensouda preparing to move from leading the country’s most populous municipality into the national political contest.
While Friday’s address did not provide details of his immediate campaign program, its central message was that he intends to continue his public service at the national level while urging his successor to preserve the development work already underway in Kanifing.
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