“There is no tribalism in the country. Therefore, we shouldn't allow it within ourselves,” he said. “What we should be focusing on is about protecting the peace and stability of the country. Let us not allow people to divide us. Let’s do away with anything that has the potential of jeopardising the country’s peace and stability.”
The army chief, who was speaking at Laminkoto military post on day two of the CDS tour of visiting military installations with the desire of getting first-hand information on the living and working condition of soldiers under his command, said: “The criteria of selection in the army is very clear. During the process of selection, no one is asked as to which tribe the individuals belong to. Again, once you are in the army, it is your merit that moves you to another level.”
Promotion in the army is also based on “merit” and nothing more, he said, adding: “It is also important to note that you can’t wear the uniform and be involved in criminality. We will not harbour criminals in the army.”
On the issue of politics, CDS Cham said: “Soldiers can’t openly demonstrate their allegiance to any political party. Of course, you are citizens and you can exercise your constitutional rights to vote. However, don’t support any political party openly.
“This is our country and let us work towards maintaining the peace and stability of the country. You also need to ensure that our borders are safe and secured. Make sure that people’s lives and properties are well protected.”
He urged soldiers of the GAF to develop the culture of learning. “The effectiveness of our army forces is capacity. Therefore, my administration will continue to prioritise building the capacity of soldiers,” he promised.
Lt. General Cham urges the soldiers to be mindful of the use of social media, saying: “Be mindful of the information you see on social media, especially on false information. The army forces are regimental institutions and we have structures and commands. Ask your commands about some issues that you don’t understand.”
He also outlined his vision for the army, saying: “We want to massively transform the army and bring a lot of unprecedented developments. Capacity building training will continue to be among our top priorities with the desire of ensuring that the GAF becomes a professional army.”
Responding to some of the concerns raised by soldiers of the battalion, the army chief assured that his administration is working tirelessly in ensuring that the issues affecting soldiers become things of the past. “We are currently with the director of engineering of the army and I can assure you all that all your concerns are noted. In fact, after the tour, some of the issues you highlighted will be addressed,” he said.
Rohey Bittaye Darboe, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, underscored the significance of the tour, while assuring the soldiers of her ministry’s continued commitment to alleviating the difficulties Gambian soldiers encounter across the country. “We are currently on tour with the CDS in order to also hear from you people on some of the things affecting you so that we can work with GAF in addressing them.”
Laminkoto Meeting
At the Laminkoto meeting, local dwellers of the area hailed the soldiers of the military post for their continued support in addressing some of the challenges affecting them.
The alkalo of the village, Lamin Jabbi, added: “We want to thank the soldiers for their support to the community of the area. I can tell you that the Navy at the Laminkoto crossing point are supporting pregnant women in the area in terms of helping them to cross to Janjangbureh among others.”
Courtesy call on URR governor
Governor Samba Bah commended the CDS and the minister for defence for the tour, saying: “It will avail us the opportunity to highlight some of the issues affecting us. URR is the only region of the country that borders Senegal in all the three parts. Therefore, when it comes to vulnerability, we are more vulnerable to any other region. However, I want to assure you that we have a very good cordial relationship with the Senegalese local authorities. The security personnel in the region are also doing joint patrol.”
He called on the CDS to ensure that the lands that are allocated to the GAF are developed with a view to avoiding encroachment.
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