Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has distanced itself from threatening statements made by an ex-soldier in an audio clip circulating on social media. The High Command of the GAF, in a press release, addressed the audio and photo being shared on platforms like YouTube, in which an individual claiming to be a serving soldier issued threats against a political party and its leadership.

According to the GAF’s investigation, the person behind the threats has been identified as ex-Private Sulayman Drammeh, also known as “Ba Alagie.” Drammeh, who was enlisted in December 2011 as part of Intake 32B, served with the Guards Battalion under the Republican National Guard before being declared ‘Absent Without Leave’ (AWOL) on October 7, 2015. He was subsequently classified as a deserter in April 2016 after failing to report to his duty station for six months.

The GAF noted that Drammeh, who is currently residing in Europe, impersonated the voice of his former comrade, Lance Corporal Jarju ML, in the audio recording. The GAF clarified that Lance Corporal Jarju is a loyal and dedicated soldier currently serving in the Guards Battalion and emphasized that Drammeh is no longer associated with the Armed Forces.

The GAF High Command condemned the ex-soldier’s “irresponsible remarks” and reaffirmed its commitment to remaining apolitical and accountable to civilian oversight as part of the government’s Security Sector Reform initiative.

The statement stressed that the GAF is dedicated to upholding its professional and non-partisan role within the framework of national security and governance.

In conclusion, the GAF reiterated its dissociation from Drammeh’s actions and urged the public to disregard any misinformation that could damage the reputation of the Armed Forces or undermine its role in safeguarding the country’s peace and security.