Mayor of Banjul & Vice President of REFELA, West Africa
By Buba Gagigo
The Mayor of Banjul Rohey Malick Lowe has announced her election as the Vice President of REFELA, West Africa.
“It is with a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude that I announce to my fellow citizens, especially women of our beloved country The Gambia of my election as Vice President of REFELA in West Africa,” she announced on Facebook on Monday evening.
The election took place on Friday 18 February 2022 in Ivory Coast where all female Mayors from West Africa contested for the position.
“It was not an easy ride but thanks to the favour of Allah the Almighty, I emerged as [the] winner. A Mayor from Cape Verde voted for me breaking the deadlock that followed a tie between myself and the candidate from Mali. I am honored and particularly want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the West African female Mayors because we are all winners.
“In the same vein, I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate the women and youths of The Gambia for their invaluable and consistent support to me as Mayor of Banjul. This laudable achievement is indeed your making and I wholeheartedly dedicate it to you,” she continued
The further thanked the two REFELA Executive members who represented her at the meeting.
“Councillor Bintou SM Jaiteh and The Coordinator of REFELA, The Gambia chapter – Madam Isatou Njie for their illustrious campaign strategy which was tactically implemented to secure my winning of the election. I was confident that they can do it,” she added.
Mayor Lowe also thanked Senegal who she said joined their campaign team during the second round of the voting process.
“Special thanks also goes to UCLG AFRICA who coordinated the elections and to the West Africa Regional Director for United Cities and Local Governments of Africa Dr. Juliet Sale as the presiding officer. A big thank you to the GALGA delegation headed by the President and Chairman of Mansakonko Area Council Landing Sanneh, finally I wish to thank the REFELA Executive, the Regional Coordinators and the entire membership not forgetting the ‘HE FOR SHE COMPONENT’ , our brave men behind us for your tremendous support; I am grateful.
“I once again congratulate the women and youths of The Gambia and to add that despite our size and limited resources, we as a nation and people are steadfast in our resolve to set this country to the path of success,” she concluded.
REFELA is the acronym for the Network of Women Elected officials of subnational and local governments of Africa regroups women members of the political bodies dealing with the governance of the local authorities and governments of Africa. A 15-member executive bureau manages the network representing the South, North, Central, East, and West Africa regions.
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