Unite Movement for Change (UMC) leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda has strongly criticised President Adama Barrow for failing to publicly address reports of an alleged Senegalese military incursion into Gambian territory in Foni.
Bensouda said on Friday that he was alarmed by reports that Senegalese military personnel had deployed bulldozers to Foni Bullock, where they allegedly demolished parts of a military encampment belonging to the Armed Forces of The Gambia.
“I have heard very concerning news about what happened in Foni Bullock yesterday,” Bensouda said. “And that is, the Senegalese military has brought in bulldozers and demolished portions of our military camp.”
The UMC leader said the reported incident was particularly troubling because President Barrow, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Gambian Armed Forces, had not publicly addressed the matter.
“More concerning is that the President of the nation and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has not come out to assure Gambians or to condemn these acts,” Bensouda said.
‘This Is What Happens When You Outsource Your Security’
Bensouda linked the reported incident to what he described as the government’s excessive reliance on foreign partners for the country’s security and other strategic sectors.
“This is what happens when you outsource your security; outsource your energy,” he warned.
According to Bensouda, such dependence risks weakening the country’s standing and undermining its ability to defend its national interests.
“Other nations stop treating you as a serious partner,” he said.
Although he acknowledged the longstanding historical, cultural and social ties between The Gambia and Senegal, Bensouda said bilateral friendship must be built on mutual respect and respect for national sovereignty.
“Acts like these question our camaraderie. Acts like these question our partnership,” he said.
“I think it is very important that President Barrow draws a red line.”
A Test Ahead of the 2026 Presidential Election
Bensouda’s comments come as political parties and movements position themselves ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
The former UDP National Organising Secretary and current Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council recently launched the UMC, positioning the movement as a new political force ahead of the upcoming presidential contest.
He said the reported developments in Foni should force Gambians to consider the kind of leadership they want to guide the country into the next term.
“2026 December will be a serious election. It’s an election that will test the Gambian people,” Bensouda said.
“Do we want a Commander-in-Chief who stays mute when Gambians are in doubt?”
He said The Gambia needed leadership capable of protecting the country’s sovereignty while delivering energy, food and border security.
“We need a leader that will ensure Gambia has energy security, food security, and border security,” Bensouda said.
