On Monday, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) resumed his testimony before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, concentrating on the appointment of lawyer Yassin Senghore as the council’s legal adviser.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez reminded the mayor that Ms. Senghore’s selection was derived from a shortlist of three lawyers presented to the council, highlighting her previous involvement with the municipality as an expert member of its Establishment and Appointment Committee.
When questioned about the adherence to proper procedures in her appointment, Mayor Bensouda expressed his belief that they were indeed followed. He clarified that the entire council had deliberated on the issue and then directed the Establishment and Appointment Committee to oversee the process.
The mayor informed the commission that the committee put forth Ms. Senghore as a candidate because of her understanding of the council’s challenges and institutional framework. When asked about the consideration or contact of the other two shortlisted lawyers, he conceded, “I cannot say that with authority.”
Counsel Gomez highlighted that the commission had discovered no evidence of these consultations, indicating that this lack could be at odds with GPPA regulations, which mandate requests for proposals in such situations.
Mayor Bensouda acknowledged his general awareness of procurement rules but emphasized that the committee held the responsibility for managing the process. “I have knowledge of requests for proposals, though I do not handle them.”
He recognized that the procedure ignited discussion among the council, but he noted that the general council ultimately supported the committee’s recommendation. “However, I cannot confirm whether they contacted all three lawyers or conducted interviews with each; that information would be documented in their meeting minutes,” he stated to the inquiry.
