UMC Elects Talib Bensouda as Movement Leader Ahead of 2026 Elections

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Unite Movement for Change (UMC) has elected a new executive leadership headed by Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor as Movement Leader during the party’s national congress held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Kololi.
The congress brought together delegates from across The Gambia and the diaspora, alongside civil society observers and representatives of various political parties, as the movement positioned itself for the 2026 electoral cycle.
In his acceptance speech following his election by regional delegates, Mr. Bensouda described the gathering as more than an ordinary political congress, calling it “a declaration” that Gambians are ready for a new national direction.
According to him, the country deserves leadership that is competent, disciplined, and prepared to govern effectively, stressing that politics must focus on public service rather than personal ambition.
“Unite is a political national movement not built around one man but built on one mission,” Bensouda declared. “To unite Gambian people, restore confidence in public leadership, and transform the future of our dear republic.”
The newly elected movement leader highlighted the growing economic and social challenges confronting Gambians, including youth unemployment, rising living costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited opportunities for citizens.
He noted that many Gambians continue to question why a country with significant potential still struggles with effective leadership and the delivery of development.
Bensouda also criticized what he described as election-centered politics, where leaders focus heavily on campaigns but fail to deliver meaningful governance after assuming office.
“Noise replaces results and promises replace planning,” he said, adding that such frustrations inspired the formation and growth of the movement.
Expressing confidence in UMC’s prospects in the 2026 elections, Bensouda said the movement’s approach would focus on reform and national development rather than political revenge.
Drawing from his experience as mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, he emphasized that governance should be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives, including better markets, reliable infrastructure, improved public services, and expanded economic opportunities.
He further stressed that the movement’s vision extends beyond urban centers and seeks to connect with communities across the country, including Basse, Brikama, Farafenni, Soma, Kerewan, and Janjanbureh.
“My fellow Gambians, we meet at an important moment of our national life. There are growing concerns about the direction of our institutions, use of state power, and growing mistrust between citizens and leadership,” he stated.
The congress also saw the election of a broad executive team tasked with steering the affairs of the movement ahead of the next national elections.
The newly 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

The appointments formally consolidate the movement’s leadership structure as UMC intensifies preparations for the 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections.