Africa-Press – Gambia. The Lord Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe, has issued a formal “cease-and-desist” notice to nominated councillor Fallou Gallas Ceesay, escalating a public dispute over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement at the Banjul City Council.
The letter, dated 5th February 2026 and sent through A. Fatty & Co Chambers, warned of possible legal action and accused Mr. Ceesay of conducting what the mayor’s lawyers described as a “deliberate, intentional and sustained campaign of smear” aimed at damaging both Mayor Lowe’s reputation and the credibility of the council’s leadership.
According to the notice, Mr. Ceesay allegedly made false claims across broadcast and social media platforms, including accusations of corruption, financial impropriety, favouritism in the selection of officials for foreign trips, and mismanagement of public funds.
The legal warning also referenced Mr. Ceesay’s recent appearance on the current affairs programme Sunu Reww aired on Eye Africa TV, during which he allegedly accused council leadership of marginalizing councillors and fostering internal divisions.
At the centre of the dispute is the Urban Youth Led Cleaning System Project, a city initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people while improving sanitation services. Mayor Lowe’s legal team said public comments questioning the project’s funding and implementation constitute defamatory attacks against the council.
Mr. Ceesay has defended his statements, saying on social media that he possesses financial documents that could implicate council officials in irregularities. He has also criticized the council for allegedly failing to convene regular monthly meetings, which he argues contravenes provisions of the Local Government Act.
The mayor’s lawyers said the cease-and-desist notice was issued under Rule 3(1) of the High Court Rules, 2022, which requires parties to attempt amicable settlement through negotiation before initiating litigation.
The notice demands that Mr. Ceesay immediately cease making what the mayor’s office described as defamatory statements and retract his claims. Failure to comply, the lawyers said, could result in formal proceedings before the High Court.
