“Give the Diaspora Their Rightful Place” – Mayor Rohey Malick-Lowe Speaks on Political Inclusion

The Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick-Lowe, has strongly advocated for the political inclusion of Gambians in the diaspora, emphasizing their vital contributions beyond financial remittances.

In a passionate statement addressing the National Assembly, Mayor Malick-Lowe expressed her disappointment over recent legislative decisions that could marginalize diaspora Gambians from national and local politics.

“Dear Honorable Members of the National Assembly, it is important that I add my voice to the ongoing discussions on the role of the Diaspora in our National and Local Politics; a topic very close to my heart as I once stood on that side of the fence,” she stated.

Highlighting the significance of the diaspora, Mayor Malick-Lowe noted that their role extends beyond sending money home. “Let’s forget about the remittances they bring into the country. I hate it when people narrow down the importance of the diaspora to remittances,” she asserted.

She described them as a crucial bridge between The Gambia and their host countries, contributing to economic growth, cultural exchange, skills transfer, and political advocacy.

She further pointed out the diaspora’s role in national development, stating, “We have all seen how they bring valuable skills, knowledge, and experience back to their home countries, contributing to innovation and development.

They are tirelessly contributing to addressing development challenges in The Gambia, such as poverty and inequality reduction, and lack of access to education and healthcare.”

Expressing deep frustration with the National Assembly’s stance, Mayor Malick-Lowe did not hold back her disappointment.

“It is heartbreaking to witness a modern-day National Assembly turn their backs on the people who are always there for The Gambia when all hopes are lost. The decision is painful, bitter, and without any doubt affects those who voted yes. I know how it feels. I was there for over 30 years, and who feels it knows it.”

She underscored the need for Gambians abroad to have political representation, arguing that their contributions in civic education, investment attraction, and national discourse must be acknowledged through full political participation.

“It is not enough for the diaspora to continue investing financially in The Gambia. It is not enough for the diaspora to continue attracting investments and development to The Gambia. It is certainly not enough that the diaspora invests so much time in providing much-needed civic education in our online space and creating such discussions that have contributed to shaping the minds and ways of our people,” she said.

Calling for urgent action, Mayor Malick-Lowe insisted that political inclusivity is a right, not a privilege.

“We must give them their rightful place by providing The Gambia to them wherever they might be. They must be able to participate in our political decisions as this country belongs to us all. The decisions of who should be our President, Mayor, or National Assembly member must be for all Gambians wherever they find themselves. With the right political will, there is nothing we cannot achieve. I thank you,” she concluded.

Her remarks come amid ongoing debates over diaspora voting rights and political participation, with many calling for constitutional reforms to allow Gambians abroad to have a say in national elections.