KMC Mayor Condemns Government’s Takeover of McCarthy Square

Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and Mayor Talib Bensouda

By Fatoumata Jaiteh

Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has issued a strong statement of solidarity with the Banjul City Council (BCC), condemning the Gambian government’s abrupt seizure of McCarthy Square. He argues that this move undermines decentralisation efforts and weakens local governance.

In his statement, Mayor Bensouda refuted claims that BCC lacked the resources to manage the historic site, calling the justification "misguided" and directly contradicting the National Policy for Decentralisation and Local Development (2015-2024). He emphasised that this policy was designed to empower local governments, promote citizen participation, and devolve resources to the municipal level.

"The state should have informed BCC of its planned investment in the square as part of a comprehensive and inclusive agenda," Bensouda stated. He suggested that had the government properly engaged BCC, the council could have allocated resources or pressured the state to release the "hundreds of millions" in unpaid subventions owed to local councils.

Bensouda also highlighted broader governance challenges that, according to him, have hindered local councils across the country, regardless of political affiliation. He pointed to human resource control, noting that local governments lack authority over their own staff recruitment, discipline, and remuneration. Additionally, he emphasised that municipalities have limited control over local assets, making it difficult to attract investment.

Describing these issues as symptoms of a "larger systemic problem" stifling local development, Bensouda expressed strong support for Banjul Mayor Rohey Lowe and Deputy Mayor Aziz Gaye. He labelled the McCarthy Square takeover as an "executive overreach" and vowed to stand with BCC in advocating for transformational local government reform that would grant councils greater autonomy and financial independence.

This dispute over McCarthy Square is the latest in a series of tensions between local councils and the central government, raising concerns about the future of decentralisation in The Gambia. As calls for reform grow louder, the government faces increasing pressure to clarify its stance on municipal governance and funding.

Excerpt from a letter addressed to BCC, copied from Standard Newspaper:
"Following the recent renovation of McCarthy Square as part of events marking the 60th independence anniversary, the Office of the President wishes to notify you of the decision to take over the management and security of the square. Please note that the Office of the President has spent significant funds to give the square its current facelift, which requires proper management and adequate security to maintain, hence this decision.

An inventory will be made of all movable assets at the square in consultation with the current manager. We look forward to your usual cooperation and thank you for the great work over the years."