GAF IS NOT DIVIDED AND IS UNTO ACHIEVING HER MANDATE.

National Press Release

REBUTTALS

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF)  in responses to utterances contained in an article published by the Point Newspaper with the heading “Barrow gov’t should declare agreement with ex-President Jammeh” which article was published  on 30th July 2018. 

The paragraph of the said article states“the army is more divided today than before, hence the ECOMIG forces have taken all the security responsibilities of the country, leaving Gambian soldiers behind.”

The Gambia Armed Forces would therefore like to unequivocally state that the claims contained in the said article does not express or represent the views of the Gambia Armed Forces and her personnel.

The Gambia Armed Forces would like to further state that, far from these assertions, the Gambia Armed Forces continues to deploy her personnel throughout the length and breadth of this country. This is amply demonstrated by the creation of two new Battalions in Kanilai and Basse. Other latest deployments include Sambuya in URR and a proposed site currently being refurbished by GAF Engineering Corps in Fatoto, Upper River Region.

Furthermore, 150 personnel of the GAF are currently undergoing training in the Republic of Senegal on all phases of VIP protection for deployment to the State House upon their return.

With regards to ECOMIG, it is important to note that the Gambia Armed Forces is part of the ECOWAS Standby Force and has participated in Joint Military Exercises alongside their West African counterparts. The Gambia Armed Forces continues to conduct joint patrols with the ECOMIG Forces and still maintains a Liaison Officer for smooth inter-force cooperation. Our cordial collaboration with ECOMIG could be visible during the last ECOMIG Medal Parade and the recently conducted ECOWAS Day Celebrations.

GAF wish to thank the general public for their continued support and cooperation and urge all Gambians to refrain from any comments that may have the potential to derail societal cohesion and harmony.