Panafrican News Agency

'Remain loyal to Gambia' – Barrow tells soldiers

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) – Gambian President Adama Barrow has urged the country’s army to remain loyal to Gambians and “the government of the day to ensure stability,” his office disclosed on Sunday.

According to a statement issued in Banjul by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the President, Mrs Amie Bojang-Sissoho, Barrow made the remark during a meeting with the senior command of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).

President Barrow called on GAF members to take up their role in defending the Gambia.

He describes the meeting as a family re-union and “in a family each member has a responsibility and that goes with challenges.”

The meeting gave the chance for President Barrow and the soldiers to have frank discussion with the former urging the latter to accept the verdict of Gambians and move on with the agenda to advance the country.

President Barrow, who doubles as Commander- in -Chief of the Gambia Armed forces, reminded the security brass saying: “we won the war, let us maintain the peace and collaborate with others like ECOWAS.”

He emphasized the role sub-regional forces under ECOMIG continued to play during and beyond the political impasse in Gambia and also acknowledged the maturity GAF displayed by respecting his order for them to stay in their barracks.

Responding to their challenges, President Barrow informed GAF command that plans were at advanced stage to have an academy to support the capacity building of Gambia’s armed forces.

He stated that governance is a process and his government will do what it can to support soldiers.

Barrow concluded that as a leader, he wants to leave a positive legacy not by how long he stays in power but what he is able to achieve.

Gambia’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Massaneh N. Kinteh made a presentation of GAF’s reform strategies, giving an overview of its history, the structures and vision.

He highlighted the re-structuring activities GAF undertook to strengthen the capacity of the forces, the challenges and recommendations to modernize the army.

Kinteh also gave a detailed briefing outline of logistical issues, infrastructure and other needs of GAF.

-0- PANA MLJ/AR 11Feb2018