The General Council of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has rejected the Government’s proposed recommendation to remove Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, reaffirming its authority to make independent decisions on matters concerning the municipality.

The decision was taken at a General Council meeting held on Thursday, 5 November 2026, presided over by Deputy Mayor. The motion was overwhelmingly adopted, with 15 councillors voting in favour, one against and two abstaining.

In its resolution, the Council maintained that the Government’s recommendation cannot replace a formal decision by the General Council, which is the legally constituted governing body of the municipality.

It argued that the Government’s White Paper does not automatically constitute a Council resolution for the mayor’s removal, nor does it override the statutory procedures required under the Local Government Act.

The Council further stressed that it has a legal responsibility to independently examine proposals presented before it and ensure that decisions affecting the leadership of the municipality are made in accordance with the law.

By adopting the resolution, the General Council has formally declined to initiate removal proceedings against Mayor Bensouda based on the Government’s published recommendation.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to due process, institutional independence and the protection of democratic governance at the local government level.

The Council described the decision as an exercise of its statutory authority, emphasising that its members have a responsibility to deliberate independently and make decisions without surrendering their judgment to external recommendations.

The resolution underscores the General Council’s position that any decision concerning the leadership of Kanifing Municipality must follow the procedures established by law.