Deputy CDS Reaffirms GAF Commitment to Professionalism
By: Sulayman Waan
Major General Yankuba Drammeh, deputy chief defence staff of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has said that the Gambia Armed Force wants military that is legitimate, transparent, professional and that are subordinate and accountable to civil authority.
He made this remarks during the open ceremony of one month joint training between the GAF and British Armed Forces; held on Monday at GAF Training School in Fajara Barracks, adding GAF needs Armed Forces that are sensitive to the needs and aspiration of every Gambians.
Speaking further he said GAF also want Armed Forces that stand for the nation’s right and serve as an epitome of excellent within the West African Sub- Region and beyond.
“The military leadership needs Armed Forces whose actions and behavior are found within the best practices as well in line with international humanitarian law.”
“We want Armed Forces that equally address its international obligations especially in the context of key support operations,” The top military officer said.
“Over the years most officers had the opportunity to get oversea training in various military training institutions in the UK ranging from the Royal Military Academy and other institutions,” he disclosed.
Major General Drammeh emphasised that these developments signified the importance of relationship between the two military institutions as well the two countries.
“The GAF had been sending officers in the making, second lieutenants, full lieutenants and captains to pursue different fields of studies,” he added.
Therefore, he expressed gratitude to the British Armed Forces and its government for their efforts in contributing on the transformation of the GAF since inception, saying his office has acknowledge the support rendered to GAF by the British.
Nonetheless, General Drammeh advised the trainees to learn as expected to ensure they accomplish the sustainable development goal the GAF is yearning for, noting when they concentrate and prepared to learn military functions; therefore, the sky is the limit for them.
“The exercise is going to be win- win situation both for the member of GAF and the British Army Forces,’ he assured.
“The GAF and the British Army Forces shares strong historical ties for centuries. Both countries over the years continue to enjoy fruitful and excellent relationship and lateral cooperation’s.”
“At the multilateral level the United Kingdom and The Gambia had been very supportive to each other agendas which characterize the mutual trust and confident that happily exists between these two countries.”