Talib Ahmed Bensouda has urged members of his movement to place integrity, ethics, and accountability at the core of their political engagement.

In a WhatsApp audio message shared on Monday, the leader of the newly formed Unite Movement for Change (UMC) emphasized that integrity is a missing pillar in Gambian governance, especially as political parties transition into government.

He cautioned against blindly copying governance models from other countries and stressed the need for locally driven, innovative solutions.

“Copy-and-paste systems from elsewhere cannot move the country forward. True progress comes from integrity and innovation in governance,” Bensouda said.

He appealed to politicians to focus on ideas, programs, and policies rather than resorting to insults or divisive rhetoric.

Bensouda, who recently resigned from the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), also warned against tribal and ethnic politics, calling for national unity to guide political decisions.

“Where a person comes from should not define their value. We are all Gambians, bound by our national identity. Protecting this bond is essential. This is what ‘Unite’ stands for,” he said.

Bensouda lauded the rapid growth of his movement, noting that the UMC has registered over 25,000 members nationwide, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing political forces in The Gambia.