Addressing his party supporters at the UNITE Party’s Seattle Chapter Fundraising and Gala Dinner, party leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda painted a vision of competent, idea-driven change for The Gambia, celebrating the movement’s swift growth while positioning the diaspora as indispensable partners in national development.
Bensouda opened by reflecting on UNITE’s journey since its founding, rooted in the belief that “The Gambia deserves competent change.” He emphasized that the party is building a movement rooted in ideas, integrity, and competence rather than personalities or hostility. In a short time, UNITE has established nationwide structures, regional and ward leadership, expanded its Youth and Women’s Wings, crafted a comprehensive manifesto, and attracted professionals, young people, and Gambians from diverse backgrounds.
“Political movements are built one community, one volunteer and one believer at a time,” he said. “Together, we have transformed UNITE from an idea into one of the fastest-growing political movements in The Gambia. But this is only the beginning.”
The leader stressed the need to create domestic opportunities so migration becomes a choice, not a necessity. UNITE’s economic agenda focuses on private sector growth, support for small and medium enterprises, modernization of agriculture, fisheries and tourism, investment in technology, and skills development for youth. “Every young Gambian should believe they can build a successful future at home,” Bensouda declared.
He devoted special attention to the diaspora, describing them as far more than remitters. “You are investors, professionals, innovators and ambassadors for The Gambia,” he told the Seattle gathering. UNITE pledges to ease investment, secure diaspora capital in businesses and infrastructure, harness overseas expertise, and strengthen participation in national development. “We don’t see the diaspora as people who left. We see you as an indispensable part of The Gambia’s future.”
On governance, Bensouda called for a shift from personality-driven politics to institution-driven systems, promising merit-based appointments, a professional civil service, digital government, transparency, and strong independent institutions. “Our ambition is not simply to change government. It is to change how government works.”
Looking ahead, he outlined priorities including quality education, accessible healthcare, youth employment, women’s empowerment, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and national unity beyond ethnicity. “This election is about more than changing a government. It is about changing the culture of governance and unlocking the full potential of our nation,” he said.
Bensouda closed by thanking the Seattle Chapter for its commitment and hospitality. He urged every diaspora member to become an ambassador for UNITE through ideas, investment, volunteering, and advocacy. “History is written by people who choose to act,” he said.
“Together, we have already built something extraordinary. Now let us finish the journey together. Let us build a Gambia where our children stay because opportunity exists, where institutions are stronger than individuals, and where politics once again becomes a force for national progress. Together, we will deliver competent change. Thank you, and may God bless The Gambia.”
