By: Nyima Sillah
Abdoulie Sanyang, a retired Corporal and former member of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), has raised concerns about the brain drain plaguing the country’s military, labelling it a dire threat to national security.
Sanyang highlights a troubling trend: many of the Gambia’s most experienced military personnel are seeking opportunities abroad, which he claims undermines the army’s code of conduct and renders existing disciplinary measures ineffective due to a lack of proper structure.
“While the military continues to recruit new personnel, it’s alarming to see Colonels and Major Generals who lack essential staff duty experience. It’s crucial to recognize that military leadership requires a different skill set than civilian administration,” Sanyang stated in an interview with The Voice.
Sanyang argues that many individuals occupying key positions within the security sector lack the necessary experience in security operations and administration. “These critical roles should be entrusted to seasoned servicemen or veterans, as they bring invaluable skills and insights that are necessary for effectively managing security challenges,” he pointed out.
He advocates for a thorough revitalization of the military and security sectors, emphasizing the need to empower Gambian citizens to take charge of vital security positions to ensure the safety and protection of the nation. He criticized the current reliance on foreign forces, calling it “unwarranted.”
When contacted for his reaction, Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, Director of Press and Public Relations for the Gambia Armed Forces(GAF), dismissed Sanyang’s claims and challenged him to substantiate his assertions with evidence.
“Is he seeking employment? His remarks suggest that those of us on the ground are not capable while experienced personnel are abroad. Since 2017, we have achieved remarkable progress, particularly in the realm of security sector reforms. The claim that a Colonel or Major General could lack staff duty experience is simply unfounded. Let him provide an example,” Colonel Sanyang stressed.
He maintained that any identified weaknesses in the army’s code of conduct are being proactively addressed, asserting that the military has instituted appropriate measures against certain personnel—a reality faced by any organization.
“I believe he is in a position to criticize us. We have successfully transformed our image and our operations. Only a minority cling to such misconceptions. Our progress is evident. Our impeccable records during peacekeeping missions, from Liberia to Sierra Leone to Darfur, demonstrate that none of our personnel have faced disciplinary issues regarding conduct. It would be far more constructive if he could present concrete statistics to back his statements, rather than speaking in vague generalities,” the GAF PRO concluded.
