This ceremony took place at the contingent's base in Kanilai and marked a significant occasion for the Senegalese Battalion 8, which organised a series of cultural and commemorative activities under a unifying theme.
The Gambia's Defense Minister, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, expressed pride in celebrating the Senegalese medal parade, emphasising its importance. He stated that the event was not merely ceremonial; it symbolised collective appreciation for the sacrifices, professionalism, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the Senegalese contingent in fulfilling their duties in The Gambia.
Minister Njie highlighted the deep and historic bond shared between The Gambia and Senegal, rooted in common values and aspirations for regional peace and prosperity. He acknowledged Senegal's steadfast support over the years, particularly in providing critical technical assistance for the development of The Gambia Armed Forces.
He noted that the Senegalese Armed Forces have played a crucial role in training, mentoring, and building the capacity of Gambian forces, further solidifying the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Minister Njie also extended his gratitude to General Birame Diop, the Senegalese Minister of Armed Forces, for his ongoing support since 2017.
Defence Minister Njie praised Senegal's legendary role in promoting regional peace and security through ECOWAS, citing its involvement in peace support operations across West Africa, including Liberia, Ivory Coast, Mali, and, importantly, The Gambia. He expressed gratitude for their efforts, which have positively impacted countless lives and fostered lasting connections between military and civilian populations.
“The Senegalese contingent’s civil-military cooperation initiatives have provided essential healthcare services, organized community clean-up exercises, renovated local facilities, and drilled boreholes in various villages, significantly improving the lives of the Gambian people,” Njie revealed.
Colonel Gibbril Pathe Tine, Commanding Officer of the Senegalese Battalion serving under the ECOMIG stated that SENBATT 8 and the Senegalese Formed Police Unit (SENFPU) comprise 743 personnel, including officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers from various branches of the Senegalese Armed Forces.
Deployed in The Gambia for several years, Colonel Pine emphasised that both contingents understand the importance of their mission and have worked diligently to build relationships with the local population.
He underscored the deep-rooted historical ties between The Gambia and Senegal, asserting that cooperation is not just an option but a necessity. He quoted The Gambia's Chief of Defense Staff, who stated, "A Gambia without peace and stability is a Senegal without peace and stability." “This understanding has guided me to focus on collaboration with local authorities to achieve peace and security.”
He recounted various activities undertaken during his tenure, including soccer tournaments, volleyball matches with neighboring villages, and community engagement initiatives. “These efforts have fostered a strong connection with the local population, allowing for the sharing of concerns and promoting cooperation,” he further stated.
In conclusion, Colonel Pine expressed satisfaction with the success of these initiatives, highlighting the positive impact of the Senegalese contingent's presence in The Gambia.
