Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has moved to reassure the public that their operations and command structures remain intact following the resignation of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General (Rtd) Mamat O.A. Cham, amid allegations made by his former personal assistant, ex-sergeant Saine Modou.
In a statement issued by the military, GAF acknowledged widespread public interest in the allegations circulating on social media but stressed that no substantive evidence has yet been established to support the claims.
The statement marks the military’s most comprehensive response since the controversy emerged and ultimately led to Cham’s departure from the country’s highest military office.
“While the information currently circulating on various social media platforms resulted in the resignation of Lieutenant General (Rtd) Mamat O.A. Cham as CDS of the GAF, it is important to indicate that no substantive evidence is yet to be established in relation to those matters,” the military stated.
Independent Investigation Ordered
Seeking to balance public concern with due process, President Adama Barrow, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has directed the establishment of an independent Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the allegations.
The military said the inquiry would be allowed to proceed without interference, emphasizing that it would not prejudge the outcome.
The decision to establish a BOI signals an attempt by the government and military leadership to address the matter through formal institutional mechanisms rather than public debate. It also reflects the sensitivity of the allegations, which involve one of the most senior military figures in the country’s recent history.
According to the statement, the inquiry will conduct a “thorough, impartial, and comprehensive” investigation before making recommendations.
Protecting Public Confidence
A significant portion of the military’s statement focused not on the allegations themselves, but on safeguarding the reputation of the institution.
GAF highlighted its standing among Gambians, pointing to public perception surveys conducted by the Centre for Research and Policy Development and the Afrobarometer, which it said have consistently ranked the armed forces among the country’s most trusted public institutions.
The emphasis on public trust suggests military leaders are keenly aware of the potential reputational damage that allegations against a former CDS could inflict on the broader institution.
Since The Gambia’s democratic transition in 2017, successive military leaderships have sought to distance the armed forces from past controversies and reinforce perceptions of professionalism, constitutional loyalty and civilian oversight.
The latest statement appears designed to reassure both the public and serving personnel that the allegations concern an individual and not the institution as a whole.
Military Says Operations Unaffected
The GAF also sought to dispel concerns about possible instability within the ranks following the resignation of the former CDS.
According to the statement, the High Command continues to function normally and remains guided by established principles of discipline, accountability, and professionalism.
“There is no situation arising from the matter in question that undermines operational effectiveness, command cohesion, or the routine functioning of the High Command,” the military said.
Such assurances are significant given the central role of the CDS in military command and the unusual circumstances surrounding the resignation. Analysts note that public confidence in security institutions often depends not only on accountability mechanisms but also on perceptions of stability and continuity in leadership.
Balancing Accountability and Due Process
By acknowledging the seriousness of the claims while simultaneously emphasizing the absence of established evidence, the outcome of the Board of Inquiry is expected to be closely watched, not only because of its implications for Lieutenant General Cham, but also because it will serve as a test of the military’s commitment to transparency and institutional accountability.
For now, the armed forces say they remain focused on their constitutional mandate and have urged the public to exercise restraint while investigators carry out their work.
The statement concludes with a pledge that GAF will continue to uphold “the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service” in safeguarding both the institution and the national interest.
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