CDS Gomez made the remarks during a face-to-face dialogue with troops at the 1st Battalion Headquarters at Yundum Barracks on Tuesday, September 15, as part of the ongoing nationwide military tour.
The engagement formed part of the military leadership’s efforts to interact directly with personnel, reinforce discipline and professionalism, and remind troops of their responsibilities to the country and the people they serve.
As the 2026 military deployment tour approaches its climax, Major General Gomez said peace and stability, patriotism, discipline and tolerance remain central messages being conveyed to troops across military barracks and communities in all regions.
He described peace as a critical foundation for national development, stressing that the armed forces have an important role to play in maintaining an environment where citizens can live and pursue their livelihoods without fear or intimidation.
“We have to protect the rights of civilians and not violate them. We work with them and we are here to protect these civilians. For this reason, we have to allow them to enjoy their rights. We are not to intimidate them, neither are we to deny them their rights,” he told the troops.
The CDS further stressed that respect for humanity should remain at the heart of military service, noting that the GAF also provides various forms of support to the government and its personnel through sectors such as education and healthcare.
“Respect for humanity is what we are here for,” he said, explaining that the military’s support structures, including educational and medical services, are intended to support officers, their families and the wider institutional needs of the armed forces.
Major General Gomez cautioned troops that the execution of their constitutional and professional mandates must never become a justification for violating the rights of others.
He also addressed the role of the armed forces in elections, making it clear that the GAF is apolitical and that serving military personnel should not participate in political platforms.
According to him, the armed forces can only become involved in election-related duties when they are formally assigned by a competent authority.
He explained that where such an assignment is made, military personnel are expected to carry out their duties professionally and impartially before, during and after elections.
The CDS also warned troops against tribal sentiments, urging them to reject any form of tribal division and remain committed to national unity.
He encouraged men and women in uniform to serve as role models in their communities, emphasizing that military personnel must see themselves first as members of one institution working towards a common national purpose.
“In the service, the only tribe they have is the Army,” he told the troops, stressing the importance of unity, discipline and professionalism within the ranks.
The military tour continues to provide senior GAF leadership with an opportunity to engage troops directly, assess their concerns and reinforce the principles expected to guide their conduct as they serve the nation.
