Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Commander of the Gambia National Army, Brigadier General Sait Njie, has issued a stern caution to soldiers contemplating leaving the force in search of greener pastures, urging them to carefully weigh their decisions before resigning.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Banjul during the conclusion of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General Mamat O Cham’s nationwide tour, General Njie revealed that his office continues to receive appeals from former soldiers who regret their decision to leave the army and are now seeking re-entry.
“We have seen many leave on their own accord, and later, they want to return,” Njie said. “But I always tell them I do not have the individual authority to re-enlist anyone. Once you decide to leave, then you go forever. You can’t come back again. Those days are gone.”
The army chief emphasized that the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) will no longer tolerate a revolving-door attitude toward service, warning that the military is “not a dumping ground” for those who leave and later attempt to return when other ventures fail.
“There is no restriction if you want to leave, but make sure you do your homework properly before you decide. This is not a decision to take lightly,” he told the soldiers.
The message comes amid growing reports of trained personnel exiting the military, often for economic reasons or overseas opportunities, with some later finding themselves in precarious situations and attempting to rejoin the force.
Earlier in the event, CDS Lieutenant General Mamat O Cham also addressed the troops, urging them to uphold discipline and integrity as central pillars of their profession.
“No educational qualification can replace good conduct,” Cham emphasized, reminding the troops of their binding contract with the Gambian people through the state. He called on all service members to remain committed to the values of the armed forces.
CDS Cham further encouraged soldiers to join the Armed Forces Credit Union, highlighting its importance in providing financial security and support for military personnel.
The address marked the culmination of a nationwide tour by the army leadership aimed at strengthening morale, reinforcing discipline, and addressing the concerns of service members across the country.
