The ceremony was held on Wednesday at the MacCarthy Square in Banjul.
“Our troops have to act always in the service of the people, holding themselves accountable to civilian authority, and protective of the freedoms and rights of every Gambian citizen. As Commander-In-Chief, I urge you, the new members of this noble institution, to serve as ambassadors of peace, discipline, and national unity,” he said.
He highlighted that the call to military service is not only a professional path, but also a noble and honourable calling as it demands loyalty, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty.
“You must remember, as well, that it calls for discipline in action, humility in leadership, and adhering to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. As you wear the uniform of our Armed Forces, never forget that you are defenders of our territorial integrity and guardians of the ideals upon which our Republic is anchored.”
He stated that in this era, marked by complex security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, the role of a professional, alert, and accountable military has never been more critical. “With this realisation, The Gambia Armed Forces must continue to evolve in response to emerging challenges, such as terrorism, transnational organise crime, cyber threats, and climate-related disasters.”
He said his government remains fully committed to transforming the GAF into a modern, professional, and well-resourced institution.
“We will continue to invest in infrastructure, training, logistics, equipment, and the welfare of the personnel. In accordance with our democratic values, our defence transformation agenda is rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for civilian oversight.”
