Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Senegal has deployed its 10th military contingent to The Gambia as part of the ECOWAS mission supporting the country’s ongoing stabilization process.
The contingent, comprising 618 military personnel, including 14 women, was formally presented with its national flag on Wednesday, September 9, at the Captain Abdoulaye Ngom Tactical Training Centre in Toubacouta, Fatick.
The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Simon Ndour, Chief of Staff of the Senegalese Army. The contingent is commanded by Colonel Balla Moussa Mané and includes a headquarters, a command and support company, a mechanised company and two motorised companies.
Mission Focused on Stability
General Ndour said the deployment reflected the confidence placed in Senegal’s armed forces by ECOWAS authorities and The Gambia.
He described the mission as particularly important because of the close ties between the two countries and the direct link between security in The Gambia and Senegal.
“Your presence in The Gambia will not only be a military duty. It is above all an act of support to a brother and friendly country going through difficult moments in its history,” he said.
The Senegalese military leadership urged the troops to exercise restraint and professionalism in their interactions with Gambian authorities, communities, and other actors.
General Ndour also warned the soldiers to use social media cautiously, calling for a measured and responsible approach to online activity.
Troops Urged to Respect Gambian Laws
The army chief stressed that military operations are becoming increasingly complex and require discipline, sound judgement, and flexibility.
He instructed the contingent to strictly observe the rules of conduct and engagement, as well as the laws and regulations of The Gambia as the host country.
“Be irreproachable in the field,” General Ndour told the troops, urging them to serve as “worthy ambassadors” of the Senegalese armed forces.
Colonel Mané expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and said his contingent would build on the work of previous Senegalese deployments.
He said the troops would focus on supporting the stabilization process in The Gambia while maintaining continuity with the missions carried out by earlier contingents.
Leave a Reply