Banjul City Council Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has strongly condemned the threatening rhetoric by the nominated National Assembly Member, Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe, at an event in Kiang that the President attended. Lowe expressed deep sadness over the use of threats instead of addressing critical issues affecting women and children.
She is urging women leaders to uphold dignity, unity, and constructive dialogue amid growing political tensions in The Gambia.
“It is deeply saddening to hear such words from any politician, especially at a time when our country needs unity above all else,” the Mayor stated.
She emphasized that the privilege of speaking before the President should be used to propose solutions rather than sow fear or division.
Lowe highlighted the heavy responsibilities women in leadership positions shoulder. “We must remember that as women in leadership, we are role models. Our actions either inspire the next generation of girls to enter politics or push them away,” she wrote. She warned against lowering standards to the point where young women view politics as a “dirty game.”
The Banjul Mayor praised women known for restraint and humility, particularly the President’s wives and Hon. Maimuna Baldeh, who holds a senior position among NPP women. “I have never heard a single disrespectful word in public from them directed at any political leader,” she noted. In contrast, she expressed embarrassment at Darboe’s remarks, describing her as brave and influential within the NPP but saying she missed an opportunity to focus on development issues, such as a road that could transform lives in Kiang.
Lowe commended Tida Bobo Kijera for responding to Darboe with dignity and without insults. “She answered without a single disgusting word. That is dignity in politics. Thank you, Tida Bobo Kijera,” the statement reads.
Directly addressing Darboe, the Mayor urged her to rise above confrontation: “You are the Alpha and Omega of the NPP. You have nothing left to prove.” She appealed to all Gambian women, stressing that silence helps no one and warning that continued divisiveness harms the speaker more than the target.
Mayor Lowe concluded by rejecting “dirty politics,” declaring she would not insult, lie, or disrespect leaders. “Insulting the President insults our entire nation. Insulting any political elders insults your own parents. I refuse to be part of the bully,” she affirmed.
