Ahmed Talib Bensouda, mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, has described as “political interference” government’s decision to enforce the return of suspended KMC chief executive officer Sainabou Martin Sonko to work.

Ms Martin and the mayor have been embroiled in a length legal process over allegations of corruption and misappropriation of council funds. 

The mayor suspended Mrs Martin in 2021 after allegations emerged that she acquired a bank loan in the name of the KMC staff association without their consent. 

However Mrs Martin, who has denied any wrongdoing, sought the intervention of the Ministry of Local Government.

Yesterday, the ministry rescinded her suspension and issued a directive for the return of Ms Martin Sonko to her official role as KMC CEO.

Dozens of Talib Bensouda supporters reportedly attempted to stop the embattled CEO from getting into the council for work.

Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda however asked his supporters not to attempt any violence, adding “let them continue their support for the development of the council for KMC”.

“I am urging everyone, let no one commit violence at the KMC. KMC is a non-violent place and we do not want violence at KMC. As far as I am here I will not allow violence at the council.

“If the government say they are ready to use force and guns to makesure the CEO comes to work by force that’s a violent statement. Let us not follow them on that lane,” he said.

“If the government can ignore investigating this matter for two years and want to bring this matter based on their wish unjustly, just two months to the local government elections, then it is not based on justice and law but it is political,” Bensouda added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba