The Unite Movement for Change (UMC) has unveiled a new leadership team, with Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, emerging as the party’s new leader.
The decision was made on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the party’s national congress held at a hotel in Kololi. Delegates from different parts of The Gambia, as well as members of the diaspora, attended the gathering alongside observers from civil society groups and representatives of other political parties.
Addressing supporters shortly after the vote, Mr. Bensouda said the congress signaled more than just an internal party process. According to him, it reflected a growing desire among Gambians for a different style of leadership and governance.
He argued that the country needs leaders who are capable, organized, and ready to deliver results, stressing that public office should focus on serving citizens rather than advancing personal ambitions.
“Unite is not a movement created around one individual,” he said. “It is driven by a common purpose — bringing Gambians together, rebuilding public trust, and creating a better future for the country.”
Mr. Bensouda also pointed to the economic hardships many people continue to face, including unemployment among young people, increasing prices of basic goods, and persistent weaknesses in infrastructure and public services. He said frustrations remain high in many communities where opportunities are limited and development is uneven.
He noted that many Gambians continue to ask why a country with so much promise still struggles to make meaningful progress and provide effective leadership.
The newly elected leader criticized what he described as a culture of politics focused heavily on elections but lacking effective governance afterward. He said too often public debate is filled with rhetoric while practical planning and implementation are neglected.
According to him, those frustrations are part of the reason the movement was formed.
Mr. Bensouda expressed confidence that UMC could make a strong showing in the 2026 elections, saying the party’s vision is centered on reform and accountability rather than revenge politics. Drawing from his experience as mayor, he said leadership should ultimately be measured by improvements in people’s everyday lives, such as better roads, functioning markets, reliable services, and expanded opportunities.
He described the movement as one that belongs to all Gambians, not only those in urban areas, mentioning communities such as Basse, Brikama, Farafenni, Soma, Kerewan, and Janjanbureh as part of the party’s national focus.
Mr. Bensouda further stated that the congress comes at a time when many citizens are increasingly worried about the state of public institutions, the exercise of state authority, and declining trust between leaders and the public.
“My fellow Gambians, we are meeting at a very important period in our country’s history,” he said. “Many people are concerned about the direction of our institutions, how state power is being used, and the widening mistrust between citizens and their leaders,” he stated.
Among the recently elected executive members are:
- Movement Leader – Talib Bensouda
- Deputy Leader for Finance and Administration – Yahya Sanyang
- Deputy Leader for Campaign and Mobilisation – Karafa Sonko
- Deputy Leader for Governance and Public Policy – Neneh Freda Gomez
- Deputy Leader for Political Matters and Media Relations – Kemo Bojang
- National President – Ebrima Dibba
- Deputy National President – Tijan Camara
- Secretary General – Dembo Kanteh
- Deputy Secretary General – Musa Camara
- National Coordinator – Habib Ceesay
- Deputy National Coordinator – Buba Jabang
- National Campaign Manager – MC Cham Junior
- Deputy National Campaign Manager – Ebrima Ceesay
- National Treasurer – Tombong Saidy
- Deputy National Treasurer – Karamo Ceesay
- Secretary of Media and Communications – Bintou Camara
- Deputy Secretary of Media and Communications – Aisha Bah
- Secretary for Foreign Affairs – Jai Paul
- Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs – Yusupha Sey
- National Auditor – Kebba Gibba
- Deputy National Auditor – Ma Suwareh
- National Youth President – Tobaski Sibi
- Deputy National Youth President 1 – Alagie Njie
- Deputy National Youth President 2 – James Folleh
- National Youth Wing Secretary – Omar Bah
- National Female Youth President – Joko Fatou Njie
- Deputy National Female Youth President 1 – Kaddijatou Njie
- Deputy National Female Youth President 2 – Salima Njie
- Female Youth Wing Secretary – Fanta Ceesay
- National Women’s President – Matty Kanyi
- Deputy Women’s President 1 – Binta Camara
- Deputy Women’s President 2 – Binta Kinteh
- Women’s Wing Secretary – Maimuna Gaye
- Legal and Constitutional Affairs Secretary – Aziz Bensouda
- Deputy Legal and Constitutional Affairs Secretary – Harriet Fofana
- Social Secretary – Sainabou Faal
- Deputy Social Secretary – Lamin Dibba
- Security and Protocol Secretary – Retired Lt. Col. Lamin Gano
- Deputy Security and Protocol Secretary – Ramatoulie Cham
