Fatoumatta
Jallow-Tambajang, Minister of Women’s Affairs and overseeing the Office of the
Vice President, has said President Adama Barrow admires people in uniform and
is ready to support them because they are the face of The Gambia.
Mrs
Jallow-Tambajang said this yesterday at 22nd July Square, when delivering the
keynote address on behalf of President Barrow on the occasion of the farewell
parade of 208 personnel, including 12 male officers, six female officers and 19
female soldiers, under the command of Colonel Musa Trawally.
“Barrow
has full confidence in you, and is ready to support all security forces,” she
told the country’s security forces.
According
to her, the selection of Gamcoy 20 contingent was based on the fundamental of
human rights of equality, social justice, service to nation and exemplary
character.
Mrs
Jallow-Tambajang urged the contingent to respect their hosts, as well as their
fellow peacekeepers from other countries when they go for outside duties.
The
contingent members are not being sent to Darfur to enjoy, but to fulfill a
mission, she added.
“The
Gambia is a small nation, but we are proud to say we have something very
unique, which is the human capital, and disciplined security apparatus who are
the face of the country.”
She
also took time to thank all governments that contributed towards the ECOMIG
mission.
Mrs
Jallow-Tambajang also thanked Gambian soldiers for being loyal and committed to
Gambians, and are ready to champion the cause of Gambians.
She
saluted them for their unity of purpose, focus, determination and courage in
leaving their families behind to explore the unknown land.
“The
next contingent to go will depend on how best you perform in Darfur,” he told
the contingent, while urging them to avoid violence, saying if they are guided
and take into consideration that they have mothers, wives, sisters, daughters
or female relatives they would not commit gender-based violence.
Barrow
is here for national unity, according to her, saying: “We should all put hands
together as one people, one nation and build a better Gambia which is
inclusive.”
Barrow
will ensure all institutions work independently, he further stated, adding that
Barrow’s government members are public servants, and people should not look at
them as high ups.
She
concluded by thanking the British government for their support, as well as
being with Gambians throughout the struggle.
Lieutenant General Masanneh Kinteh, the
Chief of Defence Staff, in his `farewell remarks to the contingent, expressed
profound gratitude to President Barrow for the trust and confidence he has in
him to lead the Gambia Armed Forces for the second time.
CDS
Kinteh congratulated outgoing CDS Lt. Gen. Ousman Bargie for his service to the
country and, in particular, for his outstanding leadership in overseeing the
armed forces during one of the most trying times in the country’s political
history.
CDS
Kinteh described peace as one of the deepest desires of mankind, adding that it
has remained one of the basic yet elusive yearnings of the human race.
“The
conditions that threaten peace and security are increasing daily, thus making
it necessary to evolve new techniques and capacity that will transform them,”
he continued, noting that essentially, therefore, adequate training, logistics
support and international partnership in peacekeeping operations with an
increasingly more complex UN mandate is required to curb the threats that have,
over time, changing dynamics with irregular opponents.
“It
is, therefore, a responsibility to train and retrain our personnel to take up the
noble task of peacekeeping as, in every part of the world, peacekeeping
operations will continue in the foreseeable future.”
According
to the CDS, peacekeeping missions draw strength from diversity, and the
contribution of the Gambia Armed Forces to peacekeeping worldwide has “grown
significantly” in recent years.
Lt.
Gen. Kinteh said that The Gambia has been steadfast in its commitment to help
keep the peace in the region, and has stood by Darfurians throughout their
conflict period to restore their hope and dignity.
Yet, in spite of the concrete achievements
registered so far, the security situation in Darfur remains calm, but highly
unpredictable.
He
described their mission in Darfur as demanding and full of challenges, which is
likely to increase with the anticipated developments in the near future, but
which, however, also present some opportunities for solders to learn and
develop both as individuals and as a team.
He
advised the contingent to work harder to win the hearts and minds of their
fellow peacekeepers, as well as the civilian population.
He
urged them to stay focused, alert and fit at all times and execute their tasks
in a highly professional manner.
They
must be their brother’s and sister’s keeper, and always listen to and counsel
each other in their day-to-day pursuits, missions and other commitments.
“You
are to be part of the solution to the troubled region of Darfur, but not the
problem; and you are expected to do everything possible within your limits to
help build and keep the peace.
“You
are to execute your duties within the mandate of UNAMID, observing the rule of
law and paying due attention and respect for human rights and dignity.”
Lt. Gen. Kinteh also urged the peacekeepers to
behave professionally and avoid anything that will stain the good name of The
Gambia, which it has earned overtime.
“Cases
of misconduct or any behaviour that would dent the positive image of the
country will not be tolerated.”
