The visit of Mr. Talib Bensouda - An invitation to partnership and innovation
Mr. Bensouda with PIPA editor Ms. Roza Meziane at MEAEFrom October 28 to November 1, 2024, CAPS hosted, as part of the Future Leaders Invitation Porgram (PIPA), its 2284th guest: Mr. Talib Bensouda, Mayor of Kanifing, in Gambia. During this stay, which took place in Paris and Bordeaux, the goal was clear: allowing this young African leader to better understand the workings of French local authorities and consider future collaborations. Here’s a look back at a week rich in exchanges, meetings, and discoveries.
Born in 1986, Talib Ahmed Bensouda is a recognized Gambian political leader committed to urban development. In 2018, at 32 years old, he became Gambia's youngest mayor by winning the Kanifing Municipality, the country’s largest. His exemplary management, focused on the environment and urban modernization, earned him re-election in 2023 and a spot among Africa’s "Top 10 Trailblazers" according to Forbes.
A Determined Reformer
Upon taking office, Mr. Bensouda launched key reforms, particularly in waste management, with the purchase of 24 specialized trucks and the creation of new collection infrastructure. His flagship project, the Mbalit Project, increased waste collection in the city from 5% to over 80%. He also initiated ambitious projects like building Gambia’s first major public library, creating community parks, and introducing a participatory budget.
A Leading Figure of the Young Political Generation
As an influential member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Talib Bensouda embodies Gambian political renewal. His career has been marked by significant legal victories, including against laws restricting municipal council rights. His potential candidacy in the 2026 presidential election is highly anticipated, as he represents a desire for change and innovation in The Gambia.
An Immersion into the Heart of French Local Authorities
Guided by Roza Meziane, PIPA redactor and Mr. Bensouda’s designated companion during his stay, the program was tailor-made for the Mayor of Kanifing. Eager to draw inspiration from best practices in territorial management, he immediately sought to delve into the organization of local authorities at various levels.
The first days were dedicated to high-level institutional meetings. Upon arrival, Mr. Bensouda was received at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. On this occasion, he held strategic discussions with experts from the Center for Analysis, Forecasting, and Strategy (CAPS) and representatives of the Directorate-General for Globalization (DGM). The mayor was able to discuss geopolitical issues in the West Africa region as well as financial support mechanisms and international partnerships.
With Ms. Sandrine Maury-Verster, editor for Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Sierra Leone at the West Africa Sub-Directorate, and Mr. Jean-Fabien Steck, Africa project officer at the Center for Analysis, Forecasting, and StrategyInspiring Expertise in Decentralization
One of the highlights of his Parisian stay was the visit to CITEO, a pioneering company in recycling packaging and paper. Mr. Bensouda expressed his admiration for the scale of efforts in France to encourage decentralization and the financial support provided by the state to local authorities. He noted that this model could inspire The Gambia.
At the Senate, a meeting with Ms. Marta de Cidrac, Senator for Yvelines and Vice-President of the Committee on Territorial Planning and Sustainable Development, confirmed interest in future collaboration. “French and Gambian local authorities can forge strong ties, notably through twinning initiatives that foster exchanges of expertise and know-how,” Ms. de Cidrac emphasized, convinced of the benefits of strengthening partnerships.
Mr. Bensouda with Senator Marta de Cidrac, Vice-President of the Committee on Territorial Planning and Sustainable DevelopmentTechnical Visits and Fieldwork: From Paris to Bordeaux
Technical visits were also central to Mr. Bensouda’s program. In Paris, a day was devoted to waste management, including a visit to the facilities of the Paris Department of Cleanliness and Water. This exploration concluded with on-the-ground immersion at a waste collection vehicle garage. Finally, to close his Parisian stay, Mr. Bensouda was welcomed at SYCTOM, the organization responsible for household waste treatment in the Paris region. This meeting offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of urban waste management. It provided Mr. Bensouda with concrete solutions he plans to implement in Kanifing.
On-the-ground visit (vehicle garage in Ivry-sur-Seine) with the Paris Department of Cleanliness and WaterThe visit continued in Bordeaux, focusing on waste treatment and ecological transition. At the sorting center in Bègles, Mr. Bensouda observed advanced waste sorting and recovery methods. These modern and efficient practices strengthened his belief that cooperation with French authorities would benefit the modernization of Gambian infrastructure.
The visit then continued in Bordeaux, where the focus was on waste management and ecological transition. At the Bègles sorting center, Mr. Bensouda observed advanced methods of waste sorting and recovery. These modern and efficient practices reinforced his belief that cooperation with French local authorities would be beneficial for modernizing Gambian infrastructure.
Visit of Mr. Talib Bensouda to the Bègles sorting center
At Bordeaux Métropole, Ms. Hélène Cure, Director General in charge of Ecological Transition and Environmental Resources, presented innovative projects in sustainable development, paving the way for partnerships on concrete projects. "We have so much to learn from each other," said Mr. Bensouda at the end of the day, enthusiastic about the prospects for cooperation.
International Relations at the Heart of Discussions
Beyond the technical visits, the geopolitical dimension was also not overlooked. In Paris, a detailed exchange with Ms. Caroline Roussy, a Gambia specialist at the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), provided Mr. Bensouda with insights into Gambia-Senegal relations and the evolution of regional dynamics. According to him, the meeting "left a lasting impression with its depth of analysis and understanding of on-the-ground issues."
A Cultural Program to Better Understand France
This stay was not only a deep dive into French institutions. Mr. Bensouda also had the opportunity to discover France's cultural richness. The program included visits to the Louvre Museum, the Invalides, and the Quai Branly in Paris, followed by the Museum of Aquitaine in Bordeaux. These cultural visits allowed the Mayor of Kanifing to understand the importance of heritage preservation, a key element in territorial development and social cohesion.
A Visit Full of Promises
Mr. Bensouda has emerged as an engaged personality, committed to the future of his city and country. His stay in France offered him unprecedented perspectives on financing territorial projects and the functioning of public enterprises. Everywhere, his interlocutors were impressed by his dynamism and ambition. "He is a grassroots leader with a genuine vision for his city and for Gambia," commented a French official after one of the meetings.
Concrete cooperation avenues were explored, and Mr. Bensouda has already expressed his desire to maintain the connections established during his stay. France could become a privileged partner for the city of Kanifing in its quest to modernize infrastructures and promote sustainable development.
The next step for the French partners is to stay in touch with Mr. Bensouda and further develop the projects discussed during his visit. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to determine the first concrete actions and the potential visits of French delegations to Gambia.
As for Mr. Bensouda, he left with numerous contacts, new ideas, and an enriched vision of the role of local authorities. He also expressed a keen interest in French management models.
The door is now open to a promising cooperation between Gambia and France, on topics as diverse as waste management, decentralization, and ecological transition. This initiative reflects France's willingness to support its African partners in a spirit of equitable and sustainable partnership.
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