Gen. Drammeh said this on Wednesday as the Gambia Armed Forces(GAF) received human rights and drug awareness materials from 3D Gam Foundation.
The CDS deplored that discipline is fast-eroding within the communities, schools and families.
“That explains why people do the unthinkable. In the past, there were certain things you dared not do in the context of so-called -freedom and liberty. Let us think as institutions, organizations, and as a nation if that is the best for the country. Discipline is very key in any given society,” he added
According to him, the rule of law is not only applicable to serving members of the military, advising that society must also strictly observe the rule of law and accept the true definition of human rights. This, he continued, is critical in nurturing discipline.
“There is no ministry that is better organized than us. We are time-conscious and we are meticulous in how we do things,” CDS Drammeh pointed out.
He explained that despite the fact that some members of the armed forces were found wanting by committing crimes thereby tarnishing the image of the military and bringing forth some credibility issues, the force has assumed responsibility for that and soul-searched for mitigative actions.
“Meanwhile, recently we have not been receiving any complaints, regarding our institution and I can tell you with certainty that the National Human Rights Commission’s report 2022/2023 acknowledged our institution as one of the most-reformed institutions, meaning we don’t have any adverse report against us,” the army chief prided.
He described this as commendable and a shift from being an institution that was adversely mentioned in human rights reports to one being commended for upholding rights.
“GAF is open to any suggestion that is geared towards enhancing the professional competence of the military more so it is considered relevant as an institution and what we have embraced as a nation to restructure and reorganize the armed forces in line with what we call the security sector reform strategy,” CDS Drammeh stated.
“In the military, we have rules and regulations. There is no room for indiscipline in the military no matter who you are. That makes us different. People may think this is magical,” he added.
He continued: “However, looking at it from a different perspective, people may give their own interpretation to say the military basically are trained perhaps to kill. That is not our role.”
The CDS clarified that the mandate of the military is to protect and defend lives and property as well as the territorial integrity of the country.
“We are taking a bold step towards security reform and today, I feel proud and satisfied with what we have achieved, which was not done overnight. The materials donated will enhance our understanding and compliance with issues about human rights laws,” he enthused.