Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Lord Mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe of the Banjul City Council, has strongly denied allegations of financial mismanagement following claims made by Councilor Maxim Donck, new alderman of the city of Ostend, in Belgium. During a press conference on Tuesday, the Lord Mayor refuted the accusations, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between Banjul and Ostend City, as well as the European Union’s (EU) contributions to development projects in the city.

This came shortly after Ostend Councilor Maxim Donck of the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA), a right-wing anti-immigration party advocating for greater Flemish autonomy, had raised serious concerns that the funds allocated under the EU-funded Banjul-Ostend City Partnership project were not managed as intended.

In response, the Lord Mayor Lowe said, “I have not stolen any funds and was not involved in handling any finances; all funds were managed by the EU.”

Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe underscored the importance of the 20-year sister-city relationship with Ostend, asserting that both cities have benefited significantly. She emphasized that the partnership has promoted cultural exchange, tourism, and economic and scientific development in both Banjul and Ostend. “This partnership is not one-sided. Ostend also benefits, with 13 students and two nurses currently in Banjul for research and training,” she said.

A key focus of the EU-funded project is the redevelopment of Crab Island, which has transformed into an educational and vocational hub. The site now houses 23 classrooms, a fully equipped recording studio, a conference hall with a 1,000-person capacity, a laundry facility, a restaurant, and urban farming initiatives. The Mayor stressed that these developments directly benefit Banjul’s youth by providing vital skills training.

The total project cost stands at €3 million, with the EU covering the majority of the expenses. Addressing concerns about transparency, Mayor Lowe clarified that funds were not directly controlled by the City Council. “I have never signed an EU check. Every expenditure follows a strict process that involves approval from multiple stakeholders, including our international partners,” the mayor of Banjul explained.

She further criticized Councilor Maxim Donck for attempting to undermine the partnership, suggesting his accusations stem from political motives rather than genuine concern for accountability. “We cannot allow baseless allegations to tarnish the reputation of Banjul City Council and this vital collaboration,” she stated.

It should be noted that the opposition party Vlaams Belang, a right-wing populist party in Flanders, with voices like that of Tom Lamont, a Vlaams Belang executive in Ostend, has actively pressed on the Ostend municipality to sever ties with Banjul.

Mayor Lowe expressed gratitude to the EU and Ostend City for their continued support, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and constructive dialogue to strengthen the partnership.