“It’s no secret that The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world,” Bensouda said. “Our people are deprived of basic necessities, clean water, electricity, quality education, and healthcare. Most of all, they are deprived of the dignity and quality of life they deserve.”
He emphasised the plight of Gambian youth, who make up nearly 70% of the population, many of whom face bleak prospects at home and risk their lives on perilous journeys to Europe in search of opportunity.
“Last year alone, 12,000 young Gambians attempted the backway journey. Tragically, 1,200 lost their lives. Many were captured, detained, and tortured in North African countries. Even those who reached Europe were often held in detention camps or deported,” he lamented.
Bensouda, 39, argued that these tragedies are avoidable and stem from systemic failures in governance and opportunity. He called for unity across tribal, regional, and generational lines to build a new Gambia.
“We must forget the tribes we belong to, the communities we come from. We either succeed together as one nation or fail as individuals,” he declared. “This is a movement for every Gambian, young or old, male or female, at home or abroad.”
The United Change Movement, he said, will evolve into a full-fledged political party committed to inclusive governance, economic reform, and social justice. Its mission is to represent the needs of Gambians in every village, community, and Diaspora corner.
This announcement comes weeks after Bensouda withdrew from the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) flagbearer race and resigned as the party’s National Organising Secretary. His departure followed internal tensions and growing calls from supporters to chart an independent course.
Political analysts suggest Bensouda’s move could split the opposition vote, posing a challenge to both the UDP and the ruling National People’s Party. However, his youthful appeal and reformist message may resonate with a generation eager for change.
