National Assembly Chambers
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National Assembly, on Tuesday, approved the replacement and appointment of new members to the Armed Forces Council.
The motion, presented by the Minister of Defense, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, sought to replace certain members of the Armed Forces Council.
Minister Njie informed the assembly that Retired Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulie Conteh would be replaced by Retired Rear Admiral Sarjo Fofana, and Yusupha B. Dibba would be succeeded by Dr. Cherno Omar Barry.
“Honorable speaker, I raised to table a motion for the replacement of two members of the Armed Forces Council who are presently out of the jurisdiction of The Gambia. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulie Conteh and Mr. Yuspha B. Dibba. Hon. Speaker, allow me to draw your attention to the provisions of the 1997 Constitution, Section 189(1). There shall be an Armed Forces Council, which Shall consist of the Vice President, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence and two other persons to be appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the National Assembly,” he said.
Minister Njie added that, in line with the 1997 Constitution, the President has authorized the replacement of these Council members.
During the debate, members supported the motion and confirmed the new appointments, acknowledging the strong track record of the incoming members in The Gambia.
However, some members expressed concerns about Dr. Cherno Barry’s suitability for the Armed Forces Council role, suggesting he might be more effective in a different position and questioning his familiarity with military affairs.