Mayor Malick-Lowe Questions Timing of Media Regulations in Gambia
The Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick-Lowe, has criticised the push for new media regulations in the country, describing the move as suspicious and politically motivated.
In a strongly worded statement, Malick-Lowe questioned the urgency behind the proposed regulations, suggesting they may be aimed at undermining emerging leadership, particularly women in positions of authority. She argued that similar measures were not prioritised under previous administrations led by men.
The mayor also expressed solidarity with the President of the Gambia Press Union, Isatou Keita, amid what she described as coordinated efforts to weaken independent journalism
“The sudden rush to impose new media regulations cannot go unchallenged. We have seen this playbook before. When women rise to lead, obstacles appear overnight,” Malick-Lowe said.
“Why was media regulation never deemed urgent under previous male-led administrations? The answer is simple — because they know they will not have their way easily.”
“You did not earn this position as a favour. You fought for it, you deserved it, and no attempt to undermine you will tarnish your legacy,” she added in support of Keita.
Malick-Lowe further warned that targeting journalists threatens democratic accountability, urging citizens to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to silence independent voices.
“When they target independent journalists, they target all of us. When they try to silence her, they try to silence us,” she said.
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