By: Fatou Krubally
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has fired back at newly appointed presidential adviser Momodou Sabally, describing his recent allegations against Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda as “reckless” and “completely unfounded.”
In a strongly worded statement, the UDP Media Team accused Sabally, once a fierce critic of President Adama Barrow, of trading his principles for political convenience after joining the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). They dismissed his claims that Mayor Bensouda mismanaged diaspora campaign funds and was involved in the disappearance of campaign fuel reserves during the 2021 elections.
“All UDP campaign funds, including diaspora contributions, are properly banked and audited under strict financial controls,” the statement read. “At no point were campaign committees’ custodians of party funds, as falsely alleged by Mr. Sabally.”
The media team further highlighted Mayor Bensouda’s commitment to the party, noting that he fully self-funded both his 2018 and 2023 mayoral campaigns and has been a major donor to the UDP.
They also took a swipe at Sabally’s political record, recalling how the former secretary general was cited by the Janneh Commission for financial misconduct, resulting in a lifetime ban from holding public office. The team noted the irony of Sabally, who was once paraded in handcuffs by former President Yahya Jammeh, now posturing as a moral crusader.
While dismissing Sabally’s accusations as “cheap propaganda,” the UDP praised Mayor Bensouda’s development record, citing transformative projects such as the Mbalit Waste Management Initiative, a €3 million EU grant for environmental sustainability, modern infrastructure works across KMC, and a multimillion-dalasi public library.
The UDP challenged Sabally to either provide credible evidence for his allegations or issue a public apology. “Gambians deserve better than political hirelings attacking proven performers,” the statement concluded.
Mayor Bensouda, they said, remains focused on delivering real development to KMC residents while detractors “chase relevance through lies and manufactured controversy