GAF will defend Gambia’s peace, unity – CDS Gomez

Speaking during his intensified nationwide tour of military deployments, the Army Chief reassured civilian authorities and communities that the GAF is committed to safeguarding stability and order.

He stressed that the tour was not merely about inspecting troops but about strengthening ties between the Armed Forces and the Gambian people, stressing: “We are here to protect, to serve, and to cooperate. We reject tribalism, we reject partisanship, and we reject anything that threatens the unity of The Gambia,” CDS Gomez affirmed.

Major General Gomez’s tour has taken him across key military posts, where he has met troops under his command and engaged directly with community leaders. At each stop, he has underscored the Armed Forces’ neutrality and their constitutional duty to maintain peace during the election period.

He emphasised that soldiers will work hand in hand with civil authorities to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment for every citizen. The CDS also expressed profound appreciation to communities hosting military deployments, recognising their continued collaboration and support for GAF activities.

During the tour, CDS Gomez and his entourage paid a courtesy call on the Governor of North Bank Region, holding fruitful discussions on security cooperation. 

At Kerr Pateh Military Post, in-depth dialogue was conducted with elders of surrounding communities, reinforcing the bond between the Armed Forces and civilians.

These engagements, Gomez noted, are vital in building trust and ensuring that the GAF remains a “force for peace and stability” in the eyes of the people.

As the nation heads into a crucial election, CDS Gomez’s message is clear: the Gambia Armed Forces will reject division and stand firm in defence of national peace and unity. 

His words echo a broader commitment to neutrality, discipline, and respect for human rights, positioning the military as a stabilising pillar in the country’s democratic journey.

As his nationwide tour continued to the 2 Infantry Battalion in Farafenni, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Major General Ousman Gomez on 1st September 2026 officially commissioned the Memorial Officers’ Ante Room in honour of the late retired Brigadier General Lamin S. Bojang.

The facility, dedicated to the memory of Brigadier General Bojang, stands as a lasting tribute to a distinguished Gambian military officer and diplomat who devoted more than two decades of his life to national service.

Brigadier General Bojang was widely regarded as a committed professional whose career embodied discipline, patriotism, and loyalty to the Republic. 

His contributions to both the Armed Forces and the nation’s diplomatic corps earned him respect across military and civilian circles alike.

By commissioning the Ante Room, CDS Gomez underscored the importance of preserving the legacy of officers who have served with distinction, reminding troops and the wider public that the GAF honours its heroes and remains steadfast in upholding their values of service and sacrifice.