Gambia CDS Gomez: Urges Enhanced Security Cooperation Across Agencies

• Major General Ousman Gomez, CDS of The Gambia, called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies and civilian communities during his nationwide tour.
• He clarified that the Gambia Armed Forces' role in election security is supportive, activated only upon request, with other agencies leading operations.
• The CDS emphasized that each security service has distinct mandates but must provide mutual support, as no single entity can ensure national security alone.
• Officials in the North Bank Region showcased an 'exceptional' model of inter-agency cooperation, including resource sharing and readiness for upcoming elections.
• Major General Gomez urged the replication of the North Bank Region's successful collaborative approach across the entire nation.

The GAF's mandate is to provide backup, ensuring that the principal security providers can execute their duties effectively.

Major General Ousman Gomez, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of The Gambia, recently concluded a segment of his inaugural nationwide inspection of military installations, using the opportunity to advocate for enhanced collaboration across all security agencies and with civilian communities. During engagements with troops, regional service chiefs, and local leaders in Ngoongon, Lower Niumi, and Kerewan within the North Bank Region, General Gomez underscored the critical importance of such cooperation for maintaining peace and stability. He emphasized that the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) cannot function in isolation and must integrate seamlessly with other security entities.

Major General Gomez articulated that while each service possesses distinct mandates, mutual support is indispensable. He highlighted that no single service can effectively operate independently, stating, "a single service cannot do it alone." The CDS clarified that the GAF's role is to support, not to usurp, the functions of other agencies, citing the police as an example. This emphasis on complementary roles forms a cornerstone of the Gambia CDS Gomez security cooperation initiative, aiming to foster a more cohesive national security framework.

A significant aspect of Major General Gomez's address focused on the Gambia election security GAF role, particularly in the context of upcoming electoral processes. He explicitly stated that the Gambia Armed Forces' involvement would be strictly supportive and contingent upon official requests from lead agencies. The GAF is prepared to offer assistance in designated areas, such as relieving guard posts, especially when other services face resource constraints.

Crucially, General Gomez affirmed that while the GAF stands ready to assist when called upon and when the need arises, other security agencies retain the primary leadership role in election security. The GAF's mandate is to provide backup, ensuring that the principal security providers can execute their duties effectively. This clear delineation of responsibilities ensures that the GAF acts as a crucial support mechanism rather than a primary responder in electoral operations.

Beyond inter-agency coordination, Major General Ousman Gomez also urged for stronger bonds between soldiers and the communities they serve, recognizing that both parties may require assistance from one another. He instructed troops to respond positively to requests for support from civil authorities, framing this as an integral part of their operational mandate. This directive aims to enhance trust and operational effectiveness through direct community engagement.

During a courtesy visit to the Governor's Office in the North Bank Region, local officials echoed the CDS's sentiments, showcasing an exemplary model of Gambia security forces collaboration. Mr. Dembo Samateh, formerly the Deputy Governor, lauded the existing level of cooperation, emphasizing that security thrives on loyalty and interagency coordination. Police Commissioner Mustapha Sowe, speaking for the regional service chiefs, described their relationship as 'exceptional.' He detailed how agencies in the North Bank Region proactively share resources, including manpower and logistics, without delay, citing instances where one agency transports personnel from another lacking vehicles. Commissioner Sowe further assured the CDS of the region's comprehensive preparedness for upcoming elections, highlighting their readiness to provide necessary security even on short notice.

Major General Ousman Gomez commended the North Bank Region's collaborative model, recognizing it as a benchmark for effective inter-agency cooperation. He strongly advocated for its replication across the entire nation, reinforcing his earlier assertion that no single service, regardless of its weaponry or sophistication, can unilaterally manage the country's security challenges. The Major General Ousman Gomez security vision emphasizes that different services must complement each other to achieve comprehensive national security.

This approach underscores the imperative for the Gambia Armed Forces inter-agency efforts to be harmonized and mutually reinforcing. The success observed in the North Bank Region security cooperation serves as a practical demonstration of how shared resources, clear communication, and a unified purpose can significantly enhance overall security capabilities, providing a blueprint for a more resilient national security architecture.

Lawyers advising clients on security, public order, or election-related compliance in The Gambia should note the clarified roles of security agencies, particularly the Gambia Armed Forces' supportive, non-leading role in election security. This understanding is crucial for assessing operational risks and advising on interactions with authorities during public events or crises.

Source: Original reporting via The Point