Gambiaj.com – (BWIAM) – The Chief of Defense Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Lt. Gen. Mamat O. Cham, during a visit to the Senegalese contingent stationed in the Foni Kansala District, emphasized the mutual commitment between the Gambia and Senegal to maintaining peace and stability.

“We will not harbor anyone who will be in the country and bring instability to Senegal. Equally, I am quite sure that Senegal will not harbor anyone in their country that will bring instability to The Gambia. The two countries were one but divided during the colonial period. Therefore, we will work together to ensure that we maintain peace and stability within the area for the sustainable development of the region,” he declared.

The visit is part of a larger trip that allows the CDS to speak with soldiers all throughout the nation in an effort to learn directly about their living and working circumstances. This program aims to resolve any problems and enhance the soldiers’ well-being.

Lt. Gen. Cham offered the Senegalse contingent his condolences for a recent terrible accident that resulted in the deaths of some soldiers, and he highlighted Senegal’s key role in the restoration of democracy in The Gambia in 2016. He said, “I can assure you that it wouldn’t have happened if this was something we could have prevented.”

He praised Senegal’s steadfast support, highlighting the deployment of 1,000 troops to help stabilize The Gambia and restore constitutional order. “We want to assure you that the GAF is ready to stand and cooperate with the Senegal Armed Forces. I can assure you all that we have neither ill intention nor ill will against Senegal. We are relatives, and you are our partners, and we are in it together,” he emphasized.

Lt. Gen. Cham further stressed the interlinked security of both nations, stating, “The security of Senegal is the security of The Gambia, and vice versa. That is the message we have sent to our soldiers. I am sure that is the same message that your high command will also be sending to you. Gone are the days that we looked at ourselves and tried to create division. I can assure you that we will stand together as one people.”

The idea of joint patrols, suggested by the Senegalese contingent commander, was welcomed by CDS Cham, who noted that many Gambian soldiers have benefited from training in Senegal. He expressed his intention to visit his Senegalese counterpart to strengthen security ties.

The commander of the Senegalese contingent, Colonel Madior Fall, described the unit’s operational actions, which included patrols, support for local hospitals, and civil-military connections, while emphasizing the value of peace and stability between the two nations.

In an encounter with GAF soldiers at the 4th Infantry Battalion in Kanilai, CDS Cham gave them reassurance that measures are being taken to overcome their difficulties. “The terms and conditions for soldiers are being reinstated. When it is finished, the amount you take home will go up. He said, “We want to make sure you’re taken care of so you can carry out your responsibility of defending the peace and stability of the nation.