Deputies spar over deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone

The motion was laid by the Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow.

Hon. Lamin Ceesay, of Kiang West, stressed that: “The Gambia is a country that has undergone so many attempted coups. However, there had never been deployment of troops from any member states to come restore peace. 

“After eight years of political impasse, these are the men and women in uniform that are not trusted to protect the president,” he flagged.

He underscored that “if you believe in them enough to deploy them to another country you should be able to bestow that same trust to protect the president.”

“Several times, members requested for the withdrawal of ECOMIG troops in the country as we argued that we want to see our men and women in uniform in charge of the country's security.”

“If they believe Gambian security men can handle external matters then it’s high time they are in charge of internal security because deploying them is proving how prepared and strong they are.”

Nominated member, Kebba Lang Fofana, raised a point of order, arguing that the motion on the floor was for the deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone as part of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, “and that it had nothing to do with having trust in uniform men and women to serve the president.”

The speaker ruled that “it is about deployment of troops to keep peace, not an avenue to make comments that would incite violence.”

He urged members to avoid using statements that would send a wrong signal that members of the security are not trusted by the president.

Hon. Almameh Gibba, the Foni Kansala lawmaker argued that if The Gambia could send 150 peacekeepers to Sierra Leone what would be the strength of our army,” he questioned?

In tabling the motion, the Vice President stated that this deployment was intended to contribute to the ECOWAS joint operation aimed at restoring peace, security and stability in Sierra Leone, following a recent attempted military coup.

“Whereas acknowledging the security of the situation in Sierra Leone, and recognizing the importance of upholding democratic principles, stability, and regional peace, the President urgently requests the approval of this Assembly for the deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone pursuant to section 188(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, 1997.”

“By deploying our gallant Gambian troops, trained in peacekeeping operations and equipped with skills to restore order and protect the democratic aspirations of our fellow West African brothers and sisters, we can contribute to the restoration of stability and the protection of constitutional values in Sierra Leone,” he argued.

He added: “The Gambian military has demonstrated its professionalism and commitment towards regional peacekeeping missions, as evidenced by our successful participation in previous ECOWAS and UN operations. This motion considers both the ability of our troops to carry out this mission and the importance of their engagement in regional efforts to restore constitutional order.”

“I would like to emphasise that the deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone will be conducted in strict accordance with the principles of international law, respect for human rights, and the protection of civilian populations.”