His Excellency The President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander-In-Chief of Gambia Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow on Wednesday 9th August presided over the Official Launching Ceremony of the first ever Gambia National Defence Policy at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. It could recalled that in February 2021 a Drafting Committee comprising of 22 Members (Military Personnel and Civilians from stakeholder Institutions) was selected and tasked with drafting the first ever National Defence Policy of the Gambia. After several months of consultation with the various stakeholders, the Maiden Policy was drafted. This led to its validation in September 2021 and subsequently its launching in August 2023. The Policy is the most important document that will guide the Ministry of Defence in its mandate to more effectively function as an oversight body to the Gambia Armed Forces and ensure full civilian control over the Armed Forces as enshrined in the Security Sector Reform Recommendations.
The propitious event was honorably graced by Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Force Lieutenant General Yakuba A. Drammeh, the Diplomatic and Counselor Corp, the Senior Cadre of the Gambia Armed Forces and Members of the Drafting Committee of the Gambia National Defence Policy.
Speaking at the historic event, His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow expressed utmost delight to be part of the Historical moment, applauding the Ministry of Defence, the Gambia Armed Forces and the Government of the United Kingdom for successfully developing the first ever Gambia National Defence Policy. The Commitment, dedication and professionalism of the security sector is highly commendable he added. President Barrow went on to highlight the significance of the Defence Policy on the ongoing security sector reforms. The President implored the Ministry of Defence to take ownership of the Policy and work towards implementing the Policy, thus attaining the objectives of the much anticipated Security Sector Reforms.
The Honourable Minister of Defence Brigadier General (Retd) Sering Modou Njie on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Gambia Armed Forces registered profound gratitude to the President and His Government for the unflinching support rendered throughout the process of developing the National Defence Policy for the Gambia. The Minister of Defence highlighted that the National Defence Policy clearly set out the Gambia’s expectations and aspirations for Defence. National Defence requires every citizen to be aware of national approach to provide effective defence of the country, to deter aggression and to support the socio-economic programs of the Government as well as promote regional and international peace and security. He went on to add that In order to maintain our independence, ensure socio-economic development and security of our citizens, we need the minimum capability necessary to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity against all forms of threats.
The inherent right of the people of the Gambia to defend their country is unanimous and resolute. Our interests are to be protected, advanced and promoted at all times as they pertain to the survival of the Gambia as a strong, viable and stable state. The National Defence Policy reaffirmed the commitment of the Gambia Government to maintain a well enhanced and effective Defence Force at all levels that is necessary to secure and guarantee our internal security and the integrity of our borders. The Gambia Armed Forces will stay tuned and equipped to defend the Gambia against any external aggression. Our strength exists for the sole purpose of defending and protecting the people and their will shall therefore be upheld Minister Njie posited.
Honourable Sering Modou Njie summed up by thanking his Predecessor, the Former Minister of Defence Honourable Sheikh Omar Faye, for pioneering the development of the Defence Policy. The passion and commitment he exhibited during the drafting process is commendable. In the same vein he thanked the British High Commissioner and the Government of the United Kingdom for the technical and financial support provided throughout the drafting process. The Technical expert hired by the Government of the United Kingdom supported the drafting process throughout. ‘We are indeed very grateful as a Ministry’ Honourable Njie added.
In delivering his remarks, The Chairman of the Gambia National Defence Policy Committee Honourable Sheriff Gomez conveyed message of gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow and his Government for the support and guidance throughout the process of the developing the Policy. Mr. Gomez expressed delight in being given the honour and privilege to chair such an important Committee. He went on to give a detailed background report on how this important document was developed, sighting experts’ contribution from various Ministries, Agencies and Departments in the Gambia. Chairman Gomez furthered by registering special appreciation and thanks to the International Consultant Professor Ann Fitz- Gerald for her indispensible input towards the completion of this constitutive document.
The Chairman of GNDP Committee concluded by giving an insightful deliberation on how the Policy will create a solid foundation and serve as a reference document that motivates and inspires our aspirations and intents for the Defence of the country and its people for now and the future; leaning on the Principles of Human Security.