The Kanifing Municipal Council’s (KMC) Lord Mayor, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has urged the government to take action and voice concerns about issues that impact Gambians.
During his 59th Independence Celebration Speech, Mayor Bensouda addressed a number of concerns that the people of the Gambia face, including the rapidly rising costs of necessities, the expense of living, access to affordable healthcare, unemployment, and security.

He issued a challenge to the administration, saying, “I challenge them to do everything within their power to ensure that Gambians can meet their basic needs and address the issue of security, which has also become a major challenge.”
It is no longer safe for Gambians. We hear about domestic violence, gun violence, armed robberies, and stabbings on a regular basis—things that are not typical of the nation, the mayor said.

He went on to say that, with about 70% of its population under 35, The Gambia has one of the youngest populations in the world. He did, however, remark that The Gambia’s youth feel impoverished.

“Not enough jobs are being produced in the nation. Many depart in search of safer travels and better opportunities. Many people died the route, and those who survived ended up penniless and without dignity in the streets of Europe.

He went on to say that flights are frequently observed at midnight, deporting young people who arrive with little, and he described this as a serious issue that the government needs to address.