Former opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) campaign manager, Momodou Sabally, now an active member of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), has questioned the competence of Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda. In a Facebook post, Sabally accused Mayor Bensouda of remaining silent on crucial issues, including the deportation of Gambian youths from the European Union.

Sabally criticized Mayor Bensouda for not taking a strong stance on these important matters that affect the youth of the country. He raised doubts about Talib’s competency and patriotism towards Gambians, specifically the youths.

The former political mainstay of the UDP made a pointed and succinct statement, claiming that Mayor Talib had met with the EU Ambassador multiple times but had never shown up or brought up the subject of deportation. As a result, Momodou Sabally cast doubt on Talib’s ability and sense of loyalty to the Gambians, particularly the country’s youth.

“Has your party ever made any official statement about deportations? If unemployment among youths is a problem for you, how many decent jobs have you created for Gambian youths after more than 5 years of occupying public office?” Sabally questioned.

He further highlighted issues such as the muddy mess behind Latrikunda Sabiji market, where women swim through to get to their markets every rainy season, and questioned whether it was the role of the central government alone to address such issues.

Sabally also suggested that Mayor Bensouda could have saved enough money from the fencing of the Bakoteh dumpsite to create more jobs for the youth of KM.

Sabally’s comments have sparked a debate among citizens, with some agreeing with his criticisms and others defending the mayor’s actions.

It remains to be seen how Mayor Bensouda will respond to these accusations and whether he will take steps to address the issues raised by Sabally.