Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has accused the Gambian government of systematically undermining the autonomy of the capital city, with the latest move being the Office of the President’s claim over MacCarthy Square.

In a strongly worded statement issued while she is out of the country, Mayor Lowe condemned the government’s actions, calling them a “violation of history” and a “betrayal of governance.”

MacCarthy Square, a landmark of national unity and historical significance, has long served as a gathering place for Gambians, hosting independence celebrations, political debates, and civic engagements. Mayor Lowe argued that the government’s attempt to seize control of the square is an affront to the people of Banjul.

“MacCarthy Square does not belong to any government. It belongs to Banjul, to its people, and to history itself,” she declared.

Recalling childhood memories of the square, she emphasized its deep-rooted significance in the city’s identity and warned that its takeover would erase an integral part of Banjul’s heritage.

A Pattern of Targeting Banjul’s Authority?

The mayor outlined what she described as a series of deliberate efforts by the government to weaken her leadership and diminish the authority of the Banjul City Council (BCC).

Among the incidents she cited were: the government taking control of the Banjul Project, which was meant to transform the city, the partial seizure of Crab Island, limiting the council’s ability to develop the area, an attempted takeover of her World Bank-co-funded mayoral office under false pretenses, the establishment of a commission of inquiry allegedly designed to target her administration, the reassignment of BCC’s internal auditor to the Office of the President, where he was allegedly used to fabricate allegations against the council, the eviction of residents from Half Die, leading to a 10% loss in city revenue, and the takeover of Bond Road and the government’s failure to compensate Banjul for mining activities.

Despite these setbacks, Mayor Lowe vowed to resist what she sees as unjust actions.

“I have let go of many injustices, but I will not let go of MacCarthy Square,” she insisted.

Political Isolation and Resistance

The mayor also accused the government of sidelining her from national and international engagements, arguing that unlike other African capital city mayors, she has been deliberately excluded from diplomatic missions and negotiations that could benefit Banjul.

While acknowledging that her leadership has faced internal resistance—even within her own political party—she affirmed her unwavering commitment to the people of Banjul.

“I have endured bullying, stigma, and relentless attacks—not because I have failed, but because I refuse to bow,” she stated defiantly.

In her closing remarks, Mayor Lowe urged President Adama Barrow to set aside political disputes and prioritize genuine national development. She called on the government to respect BCC’s authority and recognize Banjul’s historical and cultural importance.

“This is not a war against the Mayorship of Banjul, but against its people and their heritage,” she warned.

Mayor Lowe concluded with a rallying cry, asserting that the people of Banjul would not be silenced.

“Banjul will not be silenced. The people’s voice will not be stripped away. We shall overcome. Banjul will prevail!” she declared.