Gambia CDS Gomez GAF: Addresses Conduct Warnings, Outlines Reforms

• Gambia's Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Ousman Gomez, pledged improved welfare, new equipment, and career progression for soldiers during his first official tour.
• Gomez announced new digital camouflage uniforms, a second consignment of combat gear, and ten new patrol vehicles for the 2 Infantry Battalion.
• He issued stern warnings against tribalism, partisan politics, and unauthorized social media use, emphasizing severe disciplinary action for violations.
• The CDS stressed the military's role as servants of the state, not political parties, and urged troops to uphold human rights and act as protectors of the people.
• Promotion boards are set to convene soon, with efforts underway to standardize career management and retention within the Gambia Armed Forces.

The trust of the Gambian people is our greatest weapon.

Major General Ousman Gomez, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), recently embarked on his inaugural official tour since assuming his role, addressing soldiers at the 2 Infantry Battalion headquarters in Njongon and Farafenni within the North Bank Region. During his visit, CDS Gomez articulated a comprehensive vision for the military, emphasizing enhanced troop welfare, the provision of modern equipment, and clear pathways for career advancement. He conveyed a personal commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the personnel, stating his purpose was to "see you, to listen to you, and to speak with you as your Chief of Defence Staff."

Accompanied by Brigadier General Yaya Drammeh, who commands the Gambia National Army, and received by Lieutenant Colonel Ebrima I. Krubally, the Commanding Officer of the 2 Infantry Battalion, General Gomez acknowledged several persistent challenges faced by the GAF. These issues included deficiencies in accommodation, uniforms, mobility, and the system for promotions. He underscored the importance of treating soldiers with respect, asserting that they "deserve dignity in the spaces where you rest after a long day of duty."

In response to the identified challenges, CDS Gomez outlined concrete steps to improve the living and working conditions for GAF personnel. He reiterated the government's steadfast commitment to bolstering support for the armed forces, particularly concerning accommodation, and confirmed active efforts are underway to elevate soldiers' living standards. To modernize the force's appearance and boost morale, he announced the imminent arrival of new digital camouflage uniforms, which will feature badges indicating blood group and the national flag, ensuring soldiers are "clearly identifiable as defenders of this nation."

Further enhancing operational capabilities and individual readiness, a second consignment of essential gear, including combat boots and other kits, is currently being processed, with every GAF member slated to receive a complete set. Mobility, a crucial aspect of military operations, will also see significant improvement with the provision of ten new patrol vehicles to the battalion. These vehicles are intended to enhance the GAF's operational effectiveness and facilitate swift responses to security situations, especially pertinent as the December 5 presidential election approaches. Additionally, General Gomez assured troops that promotion boards would soon be convened to foster career progression, with the Directorates of Administration and Human Resources, alongside Plans and Policy, actively working to standardize career management and retention practices.

Beyond welfare improvements, CDS Gomez issued stern Gambia GAF conduct warnings, particularly addressing issues of discipline and neutrality within the ranks. He unequivocally condemned tribalism, describing it as a "cancer" that threatens military cohesion, especially in African contexts. He issued a direct order for personnel to "desist from tribalism or tribal sentiments," emphasizing that within the uniform, distinctions of ethnicity are irrelevant; only "soldiers" and "Gambians" exist, bound by the common "tribe" of the Gambia Armed Forces. General Gomez vowed that any individual found promoting division would face "the full weight of military discipline."

With the upcoming presidential elections, the CDS also drew a firm line on political neutrality. He reminded soldiers that they are "servants of the state, not of any party or individual," while acknowledging their right to vote as citizens. He clarified that the GAF's primary role is to support the police when necessary, and the force is intensifying training on internal security operations to prepare for this responsibility. This directive for political neutrality forms a critical part of the broader Gambia CDS Gomez GAF conduct warnings, aiming to safeguard the military's impartiality.

Another significant warning from CDS Gomez concerned the unauthorized use of social media by GAF personnel. He declared that the "unauthorised disclosure of GAF operational, administrative, or internal matters is a serious breach of discipline." He underscored that the institution's official communications are handled by its Directorate of Press and Public Relations, not through individual personal accounts. This directive aims to control information flow and prevent potential security risks or reputational damage.

Furthermore, General Gomez stressed the ethical responsibilities of the armed forces, urging troops to act as "protectors of the people, not their oppressors" and to "uphold Human Rights in every single interaction." He highlighted that "the trust of the Gambian people is our greatest weapon," reinforcing the idea that public confidence is paramount to the military's effectiveness and legitimacy. These comprehensive Gambia CDS Gomez GAF conduct warnings collectively aim to foster a disciplined, professional, and publicly trusted armed force.

Source: Based on recent military reports.