By Buba Gagigo
President Adama Barrow has affirmed his government’s commitment to prioritizing national defense and security, emphasizing the importance of resource generation for these sectors. He assured continued support to the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) to enhance their operational readiness.
The president made these remarks on Tuesday at the State House during the handover ceremony of seventeen Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) donated by the Turkish government. The donation, part of a military cooperation agreement, aims to bolster the operational capacity of GAF.
“I must observe quickly that my government places a high premium on national defense and security, and this includes defense and security resource generation. In this regard, despite other oppressing demands, my administration will continue to support the Gambia Armed Forces to be better equipped, better trained, and highly competent are stipulated in our security sector reform instruments,” President Barrow said.
He added that the acquisition of the APCs aligns with the goals of the recently developed National Defense Policy, which prioritizes capacity building and the provision of equipment to address the country’s defense and security needs.
“The ongoing security sector reform, aside, the acquisition of the APCs is also consistent with the broader objectives of the recently formulated national defense policy. The policy puts due emphasis on capacity building and equipment to meet the defense and security needs of the Gambia,” the President said.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats, and a Turkish delegation, highlighting the significance of the collaboration between the two nations.
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