Dr. Ismaila Ceesay’s recent remarks on West Coast Radio once again reveal a familiar pattern, an unhealthy fixation on Talib Ahmed Bensouda and the United Movement for Change (UMC). Instead of using his ministerial platform to inform, educate, and uplift Gambians, he has chosen to weaponise his office to launch baseless political attacks.
For someone serving as Minister of Information, one would expect a focus on transparency, national communication, and strengthening public trust. Instead, Dr. Ceesay continues to behave like a political attack dog for the NPP, chasing shadows while ignoring the growing concerns of ordinary Gambians.
Where Is the Evidence?
Dr. Ceesay accused the UMC of being a “family project” serving the Bensouda household. Such a serious allegation should come with facts, yet he provided none. Talib Bensouda’s tenure at KMC speaks for itself:
• Audited, transparent financial records
• Improved waste management and revenue systems
• Youth employment and community-driven initiatives
• Zero evidence of nepotism or misuse of public office
If Dr. Ceesay has proof to support his claims, he should present it. Otherwise, this is political fearmongering, plain and simple.
A Convenient Memory Loss
It’s ironic that Dr. Ceesay, who once condemned this very government for incompetence and poor governance, now sits comfortably at its table. The same man who shouted about principles, transparency, and accountability now serves as defender-in-chief of the system he once criticized.
Gambians deserve to know:
What changed, principles or position?
Why the Obsession with Talib?
The UMC is a growing national movement powered by young people, professionals, and ordinary citizens hungry for real change. Talib represents a new political culture built on competence, integrity, and innovation.
This is exactly why Dr. Ceesay can’t stop mentioning him. Talib is not the problem, he is the alternative.
On “Ruthless Capitalists”
The individuals working with UMC are Gambians who have built businesses, created jobs, and contributed to the economy. If being productive and successful now qualifies as being “ruthless,” then the issue lies not with them but with Dr. Ceesay’s political narrative.
Gambians Are Awake
Dr. Ceesay said Gambians are awake, and he is right. They see clearly:
• Who delivers results and who delivers excuses
. Who stands on principle and who flip-flops when power calls
• Who builds the country and who attacks those trying to build
The old politics of fear no longer works.
A Grave Mistake?
The real mistake would be allowing recycled rhetoric and personal insecurity to overshadow performance and integrity. Gambians deserve better than political bitterness masquerading as analysis.
Final Word
Dr. Ceesay should focus on his ministry’s mandate and address the challenges facing the country, instead of obsessing over Talib Ahmed Bensouda and the UMC. Gambian democracy will flourish not through intimidation, but through open competition, ideas, and accountability.
The UMC will continue its work, unbothered, unshaken, and strengthened by every attempt to undermine it.
By Mark Saho, UK 🇬🇧.
