Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The number of Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) recruits reported dead following a Combat Fitness Test has risen to three, as questions remain over the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the medical complications suffered by dozens of recruits.
The latest deaths involve Saja Darboe of Tubakuta in Kombo East and Lamin Koita of Kerr Ngor Nyan in Jokadu, according to a report on the incident.
The two deaths follow the death of Tamsir Bah, another recruit who collapsed after completing the same fitness exercise at the GAF Training School in Fajara on September 11, 2026.
The GAF had earlier confirmed that one recruit died after being taken to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau, while eight other recruits were admitted at the clinic and 23 others were referred to Kanifing General Hospital.
The death of Darboe has also been acknowledged by the Brikama Area Council, which described him as a native of Tubakuta Village.
In a condolence notice, the council said Darboe had been enrolled at the University of Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), where he was pursuing an engineering programme under the council’s scholarship scheme before his enlistment in the GAF.
The council said it mourned his “untimely passing” and extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the Gambia Armed Forces.
Koita, meanwhile, was among the recruits reportedly taken to Kanifing General Hospital after collapsing during or following the fitness exercise.
Circumstances Remain Unresolved
The deaths have raised questions about what caused the medical complications affecting the recruits.
The Combat Fitness Test is a demanding component of Basic Military Training. According to the GAF, recruits are required to complete a 12-kilometer course in full combat gear while carrying approximately 15 kilograms of weight.
The GAF has not publicly established whether the deaths were directly caused by the physical exertion of the test or whether other medical or environmental factors contributed to the incident.
In its earlier statement, the military said investigations were being led by the Centre for Disease Control, with support from the GAF Directorate of Medical Services and public health officers. Samples had also been collected and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for further examination.
The latest deaths therefore come as the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, with the families of the deceased and the wider public awaiting further findings from the authorities.
The GAF has yet to issue a further public statement confirming the two latest deaths or providing additional findings from the ongoing investigation.
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