Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office."
This simply reminds us about how good leadership could help advance communities and nations, thereby achieving meaningful results.
Going forward, history reminds us that peacekeeping has been one of the main conflict management tools used by the international community to restore or safeguard peace and security. Since 1948, the United Nations has established 70 peace operations and has substantially evolved, adopting approaches to peace that extend beyond purely military concerns.
However, the role and mandate in each country differ based on the severity of the situation on the ground vis-a-vis the need to keep peace.
In yesterday’s edition of The Point, we reported that Col. Cheikh Omar Tamba, Force Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), recently handed over to the incoming ECOMIG Force Commander, Col. Ousmane Aly Kane at a ceremony held at the ECOMIG headquarters in Bakau.
At the handing over Col. Cheikh Omar Tamba is highly commended not only for his exemplary and distinguished service, but also high sense of commitment and leadership virtues during his tenure in The Gambia. This is even manifested during frequent heightened tension in the border communities of Foni between Senegalese Forces and MFDC rebels. The outgoing ECOMIG Commander also played a lead role in diffusing tensions by calming the situation in some situations between communities and the ECOMIG stationed in Bwiam and Kanilai, who since the onset have been hostile and called for the withdrawal of the ECOMIG in the Fonis.
He is a professional officer, who has extremely performed beyond expectation while on duty in The Gambia.
He has indeed accomplished his task and we hope the incoming commander would follow his footsteps in consolidating peace in the Fonis.
To those serving under ECOMIG, always remember that effective missions are those responsible for decreasing the intensity of tensions, protecting civilians, and containing conflict diffusion and recurrence where it showcases its ugly head.
At this point, we cannot but thank Col. Cheikh Omar Tamba for successfully accomplishing his duty in the country with merits and also welcome the incoming ECOMIG Force Commander, Col. Ousmane Aly Kane.
To the new commander, the road may be bumpy, rough, but always exercise professionalism, experience and dedication to know how to be able to deal with the situation amicably. Besides, the two countries share many things in common. Let’s always promote and work towards strengthening those bonds.
Once again, welcome to the Smiling Coast!