The
chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Masaneh Kinteh on Wednesday in a Christmas
message indicated that it is incumbent upon the armed forces to always remember
their role and remain apolitical and focus on their assigned roles and responsibilities.
CDS
Kinteh further pointed that this is one great thing they achieved as one of the
fundamental gains in reform process.
“We
have all been very important players in these successes. Therefore, while we
jealously guard our gains, we must remain vigilant, send the message of peace
as well as always remain united and stay clear off tribalism. We must not take
sides; our only tribe is The Gambia. I admonish you all to always reflect on
the past and the legacy we would hand over to the next generation. Anything
otherwise, we would be condemned by history.”
Lt.
Gen. Kinteh further stated that the year under review has indeed been a
successful one as they have been able to guard jealously the peace this great
country is known for and also respond to assistance from civilian authorities;
adding the GAF also continues to play a very crucial role in international
peace missions with the United Nations in Darfur, South Sudan, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Mali.
“Accordingly,
the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, H.E. Adama Barrow has
pledged his commitment in supporting the armed forces in its transformation
process.”
He
said it is pertinent to note that their role is sacred and the job is a noble
one.
He
called on the soldiers to always remain committed to the collective interest of
the nation, while urging them to remain professional and steadfast as they
continue to professionally and responsibly carry out their constitutional
mandate at home and abroad.
