“We will not harbour anyone that will be in the country and bring instability in Senegal. Equally, I am quite sure that Senegal will also not harbour anyone in their country that will bring instability in The Gambia. The two countries are one but divided during the colonial period. Therefore, we will work together in ensuring that we maintain peace and stability within the area for the sustainable development of the region,” he said
The country’s army chief was speaking on Monday during a visit to the Senegalese contingent stationed at the outskirts of Kanilai in the Foni Kansala District of the WCR.
The tour enables the CDS to interact with soldiers across the length and breadth of the country with the aim of getting firsthand information about their living and working conditions in order to address them.
“I want to underscore the significant role played by Senegal in the restoration of democracy in the country in 2016. Equally, I want to express my deepest condolences to the contingent here in Kanilai and by extension the government of Senegal of the tragic accident which claimed the lives of some soldiers. If this was something that we can prevent, I can assure you that it wouldn’t have happened,” he postulated.
Senegal, he went on, has stood behind Gambia in all areas. “You deployed 1000 of troops here to ensure that the security situation gets to normalcy; so that we can come back to our feet and restore constitutional order. We want to assure you that the GAF is ready to stand and cooperate with the Senegal Armed Forces.”
“I can assure you all that we have neither ill intention nor ill will against Senegal. We are relatives and you are our partners and we are in it together,” he emphasised
The security of Senegal, CDS Cham added, is the security of The Gambia and vice versa. “That is the message we have sent to our soldiers. I am sure that is the same message that your high command will also be sending to you. Gone are the days that we look at ourselves and try to create division. I can assure you that we will stand together as one people,” he promised.
On the issue of joint patrol as suggested by the Senegalese contingent commander, CDS Cham welcomed the idea, adding: “Many of our soldiers have benefited from training packages in Senegal for free, especially our state guard soldiers. I will be visiting my Senegal counterpart with a view to discuss with him in strengthening ties between the two countries on security related issues for our people.”
Colonel Madior Fall, the Senegalese contingent commander, underscored the significance of peace and stability within the two countries. Fall gave details of operational activities that the unit has been undertaking in the area for the past years ranging from Civil Military Relations, patrol, supporting nearby hospitals among others.
Meeting with soldiers at 4 Infantry Battalion
During a meeting with soldiers of the GAF stationed at the 4 Infantry Battalion at Kanilai, CDS Cham assured soldiers that the GAF and the Ministry of Defence are working tirelessly in addressing the challenges soldiers are encountering countrywide. “We are reviving the terms and conditions of soldiers. Once it is done, your take home will be increased. We want to ensure that you are taken care of so that you can continue on your duty in protecting the country’s peace and stability.”
At Buniadou meeting
At the Buniadou meeting, CDS Cham warned against indiscipline in the army, saying: “Our desire is to ensure that you all fulfill your dreams in the army. We want you to maintain peace and stability in the country and protect the good image of the army.”
GAF, he said, has zero tolerance to drug related issues. “If you are caught, just know that your career is over in the army. Drugs only bring criminality and instability and we will not allow it in the army.”
At both Kanilai and Buniadou meetings, soldiers raised concern about some of the issues affecting them ranging from accommodation, mobility, communications gadgets, capacity building training and inter-battalion transfer among others.
