Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of three recruits of Intake 40 following a Combat Fitness Test conducted at the GAF Training School on Friday, September 11.
In an update issued on Monday, GAF said two more recruits, Recruit Darboe Sarja from Tubakuta and Recruit Koita Lamin from Kerr Nyangado in Jokadu, died on Saturday, September 12.
Their deaths followed that of Recruit Tamsir Bah from Chamen, who died on Friday, bringing the total number of recruits who have died in connection with the incident to three.
Four Recruits Still Hospitalized
GAF said several recruits were admitted to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau and Kanifing General Hospital after the Combat Fitness Test.
As of Monday, three recruits remained admitted at Kanifing General Hospital, while one other recruit was still receiving treatment at Ndemban Clinic.
The military said investigations are ongoing by the Centre for Disease Control to determine the cause of the incident. It said the public would be informed once the investigations are completed.
The announcement leaves the circumstances surrounding the deaths unresolved, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Recruits Buried in Their Villages
Following the completion of funeral arrangements, the three deceased recruits were buried in their respective villages on Sunday, September 13.
The GAF High Command expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, describing the loss as deeply painful.
The military also confirmed a separate incident involving two soldiers of the State Guards Battalion who were involved in a road traffic accident on Sunday. Both soldiers were admitted for medical supervision but have since been discharged.
Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Ousman Gomez, his deputy, the Services Chiefs, and the entire GAF extended condolences to the families of the deceased recruits and praised their courage and commitment to serving the country.
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