The ceremony was graced by the Head of Mission and Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission, Minister for Defense, Chief of Defense Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces and other invited dignitaries.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Miatta Lily French, head of Mission and Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in The Gambia, thanked the outgoing commander for his contribution to ECOWAS over the past 12 months.
She expressed optimism that his experience in the country has been a fulfilling and useful one, not just for him as a professional achievement, but as a milestone in his personal career development goals.
“During your tenure as the post commander, you consolidated on the gains made by your predecessors in promoting peace and security in The Gambia and actualizing the mandate of the FOB. This would not have been possible without the close collaboration of the Gambian Defense and Security Forces, the current administration and the good people of The Gambia.” she said.
To that end, she extended special commendation to the Gambian authorities, especially the Gambian Defense and Security Forces for their support to the mission in its efforts to build a more peaceful and stable Gambia and to realise the mandate of this mission.
“And the government for providing the nation's environment for the mission to continue to support and accomplish its mandate in The Gambia.”
For his part, Col. Bombatar Toure, out-going ECOMIG commander, recalled that when he started his tour of duty in the Gambia, he observed that ECOMIG mission was on stabilisation phase.
“My predecessor did a lot and based on that I just drew a concept of operations with three big lines of effort. Because I realised that Gambians had problem of acceptance when it comes to the force.
He added; “Some Gambians were thinking that ECOMIG is an occupation force, so I wanted to make it clear that we just came to support Gambian defense and security forces so that they can maintain peace and security.” he explained.
“And at the end of my year of duty, I can say that we achieved these plans because in line of the ECOMIG mandate, we give specific and clear mission to all the contingent with clear boundary about their area of operation. So that they can have a clear idea of what waits for them.”
Col. Ndiogne Diouf, In-coming ECOMIG Commander, while thanking his outgoing commander for his blueprint, assured continuity of his legacy and other previous commanders.
“I will ensure we continue to maintain peace and security in The Gambia.”
