By: Kemo Kanyi
President Adama Barrow has said that The Gambia needs competent and professional security architecture to safeguard national sovereignty and the country’s rehabilitated democracy.
Speaking on Friday at State House during the swearing-in ceremony of the new members of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Council and the decoration of three top GAF officers Commodore Sambou Barrow and Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh, President Adama Barrow underscored that The Gambia needs and demands high degree of professional and competent security apparatuses for the maintenance of peace, security, and the defence of the country’s restored democracy.
“The nation needs and demands from you the degree of loyalty, courage, and professional competence required to preserve peace and security in our dear country and defend our hard-earned democracy,” the President pointed out.
He advised the security forces to put the interest of the nation first.
“I advise you to prioritise the interest of this country, your institution, and the welfare of the personnel under your command over your personal interests. This will earn you the respect and loyalty you deserve,” he stated.
The Gambian leader expressed hope that the Armed Forces Council and the decorated officers will execute their responsibilities with diligence.
“I am hopeful that you will all work as a unified team to deliver on expectations and measure up to the trust and confidence reposed in you. This is necessary to ensure that we have committed and competent members to serve on the Armed Forces Council efficiently and effectively at all times,” he maintained.
President Barrow explained that the Gambia Armed Forces Council, which is a constitutional requirement, serves as an additional and essential means of facilitating the achievement of “our objectives and the desire to have a responsive, professional, efficient, and effective defence sector”. These qualities, he went on, are vital for the maintenance of peace and stability in the country.
“I have no doubt that you all possess the wisdom and good judgment in the conduct of your tasks and that you will continue to exhibit a high level of professionalism in the face of emerging security challenges. Always remember that the nation expects that you will also meaningfully contribute to the success story of the Gambia Armed Forces,” he stated.
The President reaffirmed that his government will support GAF to achieve its goals, adding that the government will continue to engage in the reform of institutions and the security sector while remaining committed to the dictates of the Constitution.
