His Excellency President Adama Barrow with Defense Minister and Officers of GAF
By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency President Adama Barrow, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), on Thursday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council at the State House in Banjul.
The event also featured the decoration of senior officers from the Gambia Navy and the Republican National Guard, marking a significant moment in the country’s military leadership and reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces.
The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, senior government officials, military leaders, and other dignitaries.
The establishment of the GAF Council is a constitutional requirement under Section 189, Subsection (1g) of the 1997 Constitution. The council comprises seven members, chaired by Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow. Other members include:
- Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Ousman Gomez
- Brigadier General Sait Njie, Commander of the Gambia National Army
- Navy Commodore Sambou Barrow
- Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh, Commander of the Republican National Guard
- Professor Cherno Omar Barry, a civilian member
- Retired Rear Admiral Sarjor Fofana
The council is responsible for advising the President on matters of policy related to defense and strategy, including the role of the armed forces, defense budgeting, finance, administration, and other relevant issues referred to them by the President.
As mandated by law, the council members took the prescribed oaths of office, allegiance, due execution of office, and secrecy.
During the ceremony, two senior officers of the Gambia Armed Forces were decorated following their recent promotions.
- Yahya Drammeh was promoted to Brigadier General of the Republican National Guard.
- Sambou Barrow was elevated to the rank of Commodore in the Gambia Navy.
Both officers took their oaths, administered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.In his remarks, President Barrow urged the newly appointed council members to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Defence and the Gambia Armed Forces to enhance the effectiveness of the country’s security institutions.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the President reminded them that promotions come with greater responsibilities.
“For the decorated commodore and brigadier general, let me specifically remind you that promotions come with added responsibilities as the well quoted adage teaches, to whom much is given much more shall be expected,” he said.
President Barrow emphasized that at this critical juncture in the nation’s history, the country requires and expects from them unwavering loyalty, courage, and professional competence to uphold peace and security while safeguarding their hard-earned democracy.
He expressed confidence in their ability to exercise wisdom and sound judgment in carrying out their duties and to maintain a high standard of professionalism in the face of evolving security challenges.
The President reminded them that the nation looks to them to contribute meaningfully to the progress and success of The Gambia Armed Forces.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the council in achieving its objectives and pledged continued engagement in institutional and security sector reforms.
President Barrow also conveyed his gratitude to the members for accepting their new appointments, and extended his best wishes to the entire council in their noble endeavors.
President Barrow stressed that at this critical moment in the nation’s history, it is essential for them to demonstrate unwavering loyalty, courage, and professional competence to safeguard peace, security, and their hard-earned democracy.
He expressed confidence that they would carry out their duties with wisdom and sound judgment, while upholding a high level of professionalism in the face of evolving security challenges.
The President reminded them that the nation expects them to play a meaningful role in strengthening the Gambia Armed Forces and contributing to its continued success.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the council in achieving its objectives and assured them of ongoing efforts in institutional and security sector reforms.
President Barrow also extended his gratitude to the members for accepting their new appointments and wished the entire council success in their noble endeavors.
He assured the public that, as the Chairman of the National Armed Forces Council, he is committed to ensuring that they fulfill their duties in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia.
“We will discharge our duties with diligence and commitments to strengthening the governance and operational efficiency and effectiveness of our armed forces,” he said.
Other speakers include the minister of defense Sering Modou Njie, and chief of defense staff of the Gambia armed forces Lieutenant general Mamat O.A. Cham, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment in ensuring their military personnel are adequately resourced, trained and empowered to fulfill their constitutional duties.