Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) says Army recruit Tamsir Bah of Chamen has died and 31 others have been hospitalized after a rigorous Combat Fitness Test conducted at the GAF Training School in Fajara on Friday.
The incident occurred on September 11, 2026, after recruits from Intake 40 took part in the physically demanding exercise as part of their Basic Military Training.
According to a statement from the GAF High Command, the deceased recruit collapsed at the training school after completing the test. The medical team at the school immediately transported him to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau, where he later died.
The GAF said eight other recruits were admitted to Ndemban Clinic, while another 23 were referred to Kanifing General Hospital for treatment.
Recruits Under Medical Observation
The military said half of those admitted to Kanifing General Hospital have since been discharged, while the remaining recruits are stable and continue to receive medical attention.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Ousman Gomez, has ordered that all affected recruits receive appropriate medical care, including medication and other necessary services.
The GAF described the Combat Fitness Test as a physically and mentally challenging exercise covering 12 kilometers. Recruits are required to complete the test in full combat gear, including carrying a 15-kilogram load on their backs and wearing helmets.
Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
The GAF said the investigation is being led by the Centre for Disease Control, with support from the GAF Directorate of Medical Services and public health officers.
Samples have also been collected and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for further examination.
Earlier reports circulating on social media had suggested that some recruits may have collapsed because of food poisoning, while others linked the incident to the fitness test.
The GAF’s statement, however, specifically places the incident after the recruits completed the Combat Fitness Test and says investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and illnesses.
The GAF expressed condolences to the family of the deceased recruit and said its thoughts and prayers were with the other recruits recovering in hospital.
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