Validation Of Gambia’s Maiden Defence Policy Underway

By Landing Ceesay

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday began the validation of The Gambia’s first Defence Policy at a two-day workshop.

The policy is designed to guide the Ministry of Defence to effectively execute its management and oversight functions over The Gambia Armed Forces.

The policy defines the symbiotic relations and operations within the country’s defence sector.

The Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff of Gambia Armed Forces, the British High Commissioner, retired military officers, among others graced the opening of the two-day validation workshop at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.

In his opening remarks, Honourable Sheikh Omar Faye, the Minister for Defence said the defence policy details the type of military needed to defend Gambia’s territorial integrity.

“Sharpening our focus by way of 3 specific defence policy priorities will also make the Gambia’s first-ever defence policy achievable, as opposed to aspirational. These strategic policy objectives include: to defend, protect and project the National interest of the Gambia; to promote professionalization at every level of the defence institution; and to implement collaborative and responsive approaches to addressing national and regional security,” Honourable Faye said.

The Defence Minister highlighted the importance of the defence policy, saying it is highly important to have such a document during such a critical time for the country.

“During a post-2020 era when non-traditional security threats continue to develop and impact the world; an era when military forces must invest in developing new forms of the capability to respond credibly to these issues, risks and threats; and an era when regional and international cooperation has never been more important in this increasingly globalised and interdependent world. It is critical that The Gambia must remain relevant and also has a contribution to bring to collective security and defence interests,” Minister Faye stated.

The two-day validation workshop of the first defence policy of the country would end on 22^nd September 2021 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.