Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Saturday, facing intense questioning over allegations of nepotism, political favoritism, and irregular appointments during his tenure.
The public hearing, led by Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, forms part of a broader investigation into the financial and administrative operations of local councils from May 2018 to January 2023. The Commission, chaired by Jainaba Bah with members Samba Faal, Oreme E. Joiner, Sukai Secka-Sagnia, and Alagie Sillah, is tasked with enhancing transparency and accountability in local governance.
Counsel Gomez focused on the hiring of lawyer Yassin Senghore and senior staff including protocol officer Nuru Deen Adams and PR manager Isatou Faal. Documents presented to the Commission indicated that Faal’s application and appointment were both dated 7 June 2018, even though the Establishment Committee had recommended putting the matter on hold.
Bensouda admitted that the appointment was “incorrect” but argued that the council voted to retain Faal on the condition she pursued further education. He defended the decision, saying the appointment followed an indirect entry method supported by the council’s scheme of service.
Gomez highlighted conflict-of-interest concerns raised by councillor Habib Ceesay and former KMC CEO Salama Njie, pointing out that some appointments involved family members of the mayor. Bensouda confirmed that his uncle, Baboucarr Jammeh, and aunt, Adama Jammeh, were employed at KMC. He insisted that these cases represented only “four out of over 1,200 employees” and that he had limited influence over appointments. “I would have loved to employ my full team… the most I can do is refer them to the right authorities and those authorities can decide or not,” he said.
When questioned about Adams, Gomez noted that he had been part of Bensouda’s campaign team. The mayor acknowledged that many campaign supporters applied for jobs at KMC but said he referred all applicants to the HR Manager. He argued that head-hunting was a legally permissible recruitment method, while also stating his support for open advertisement where possible.
The hearing also scrutinized Kan Mustapha “Kanjura” Kanyi, a consultant described by KMC staff as an “untouchable” figure. Contracts dated between 2021 and 2023 showed that Kanyi received quarterly payments including a telephone allowance of D15,000, a dumpsite allowance of D30,000, and a consultancy fee of D35,000.
Counsel Gomez questioned why Kanyi, who lacked formal qualifications and prior experience relevant to his role, was given multiple contracts and allowed to engage in procurement activities. Bensouda defended Kanyi, stating that he was hired as a consultant rather than staff, and credited him with stabilizing chaotic market operations, recovering millions in outstanding debts, and implementing a “Red Flag System” to prevent fires at the Bakoteh dumpsite.
Gomez pressed on procurement rules, noting that all consultancy contracts should have been approved by the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) and awarded through competitive processes. Bensouda maintained that the contracts were below the D500,000 threshold and therefore within the council’s discretion. The Commission was also presented with a case in which Kanyi failed to retire D180,000 in imprest funds despite repeated warnings, responding with abusive language in a letter to council officials. Bensouda described the letter as “terrible” but insisted it did not diminish Kanyi’s operational effectiveness.
Chairperson Jainaba Bah reminded Bensouda that under the law, appointments and contract approvals for positions above certain grades fall under the Local Government Service Commission. Bensouda admitted that some council decisions bypassed the Commission, claiming that the Establishment and Appointment Committee exercised discretion to address operational needs.
Gomez challenged this argument, emphasizing that capacity or operational challenges do not remove the responsibility of the council to follow legal procedures and perform oversight over committee decisions. Bensouda agreed that proper oversight was ideal but stated that in practice, the council relied on staff and committee members to flag anomalies.
The Commission also revisited the hiring of Adams and Faal, questioning their qualifications and suitability for high-grade positions. Bensouda defended the hires, noting prior experience and campaign involvement, while acknowledging that many Gambians with higher qualifications applied.
The session was adjourned to the afternoon following a break. Commissioners will continue to examine Bensouda’s testimony and related evidence on appointments, procurement, and alleged favoritism within KMC.
