This development was unveiled on Friday, 16 January 2026, when Aji Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayoress of Banjul, hosted North Miami Mayor Hon. Alix Desulme and his delegation at a formal ceremony held at the Council’s complex in Banjul.
The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, with both mayors describing their bond as extending beyond diplomacy to a relationship akin to family.
The occasion marked a significant milestone in international municipal partnership and cultural exchange, following three years of friendship after both mayors formalised a promise of collaboration and shared growth. The partnership seeks to foster long‑lasting city‑to‑city cooperation with the goal of promoting peace, respect, and mutual understanding across borders.
Mayor Desulme was accompanied by Ms Andrea McDonald, Mr Bernard Straw, Ms Marie C. Louis, Ms Whenda Tima, Mr Stephen Hyppolite, and Mr Jean Rosier, also known as TonTon Dezirab.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayoress Lowe said: “We do not just seal a sister‑city agreement; we sealed a living, breathing partnership that has already begun to bear fruit.”
She added that the relationship is a testament to the power of connecting cities, proving that even those separated by an ocean can build bridges of understanding and mutual progress.
Mayor Desulme recalled that nearly four years ago, North Miami and Banjul formally entered into a sister‑city partnership when he and Mayor Lowe first met and immediately connected around a shared purpose. He described the relationship as being rooted in trust, mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding.
“These are the very foundations of Sister Cities International. At that time, I had the honour of serving on the Executive Board of Directors of Sister Cities International as Secretary, and it was especially meaningful to help advance this partnership,” he said.
Since signing the sister‑city agreement and notifying Washington DC, he explained, the two cities have collaborated on projects, engaged in exchanges, and travelled internationally to promote their shared values.
Looking ahead, Mayor Desulme pledged to deepen the collaboration, noting that as two coastal cities, North Miami and Banjul face similar environmental challenges. “We will continue sharing best practices on climate resilience, global warming mitigation, and sustainability. We have exchanged ideas on education, business development, and strategies to improve the quality of life for our residents,” he assured.
As an educator, he emphasised his commitment to youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. “I have consistently advocated for these initiatives in Banjul, and I am incredibly proud of the progress being made to prepare the next generation of leaders,” he said.
He concluded: “The partnership between Banjul and North Miami is strong, growing, and meaningful, and I am confident our best work together is still ahead.”
