Urges Dr. Sabally to Focus on Pressing Agricultural Issues
By: Fatou Krubally
The Mayor of the Kanifing Municipality, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has called for a shift in focus from political blame games to constructive solutions following the recent fire disaster in the country,saying that fire shouldn’t be politicized.
Bensouda criticized remarks made by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally, urging the agriculture minister to refrain from “politicizing” the tragic event and instead prioritize the urgent concerns of the agricultural sector.
The mayor’s comments came in the wake of the recent fire incidents that affected several citizens. While the government has assured the public of an investigation into the cause of the fire, Dr. Demba Sabally made remarks that some have interpreted as pre-emptive in assigning blame.
According to Bensouda, such comments undermine the collective effort required to support those impacted by the disaster.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the KM mayor emphasized that the focus should be on empathy and solidarity with the victims rather than assigning blame.
“When disaster strikes, the priority should be on constructive actions and steps to prevent recurrence. It’s not about pointing fingers,” Bensouda said, noting that during a similar tragedy at the navy installation, no one sought to politicize the loss of life but instead, expressions of sympathy and support were the order of the day.
Bensouda reminded the agriculture minister that his portfolio, which is addressing the struggles within the agriculture sector, should be his primary focus.
“The people in agriculture are suffering. This should be the area, where the Minister puts his attention,” the mayor stated.
Bensouda recalled the tragic loss of two soldiers in the fire at a navy installation, highlighting how the KMC administration had not resorted to apportioning blame but chose to sympathize with the bereaved families and the Gambian Armed Forces. He underscored the importance of unity in times of crisis, stating that political gains should never overshadow the need for collective action.
Mayor Bensouda concluded by expressing disappointment in Dr. Sabally’s comments, calling for a retraction and an apology to the victims of the fire disaster.
“In times of disaster, we must come together, not point fingers,” he asserted.