By Ndey Sowe
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation, capacity building and the promotion of peace and security as a new mess and cookhouse were commissioned at the GAF Training School at Fajara Barracks.
The facilities were officially opened on Thursday, 13 August 2026, during a ceremony attended by senior military officials, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
The commissioning was held alongside the second China-Gambia Military Bantaba, an initiative designed to provide Gambian military personnel who have studied in China, as well as newly nominated officers, with an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen professional links.
Speaking at the Bantaba, Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia Lui Jin highlighted what he described as the long-standing friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Referring to a military quotation from the ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu, painted on a wall at Yundum Barracks, Ambassador Lui said: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
He said the principle should not be interpreted as an encouragement to seek conflict, but rather as a philosophy centered on preventing war and achieving peace through wisdom.
According to the ambassador, the philosophy reflects a shared approach between the Chinese and Gambian armed forces, which he described as “forces of peace” and guardians of stability.
Ambassador Lui noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia. He said military cooperation has become an important component of the broader bilateral relationship, with more than 100 Gambian military officers having studied in China over the past decade.
He said many of those officers now occupy important positions within the Gambia Armed Forces, demonstrating the impact of the training partnership.
China, he said, would continue supporting the GAF through capacity-building programmes, with another 14 Gambian officers expected to travel to China shortly for further training.
Invitation letters were presented to representatives of the new group, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Yaya Darboe.
The ambassador urged the officers to make full use of their training opportunities and return with knowledge that could strengthen the GAF and contribute to national security.
He also encouraged them to serve as goodwill ambassadors between the two countries by sharing Gambian history and culture with their Chinese counterparts while learning more about China.
A tapestry depicting the Great Wall of China was presented by the ambassador as a gift during the ceremony.
He said the Great Wall represented peaceful protection of the homeland and an enduring spirit, qualities he said were consistent with the mission of the Gambia Armed Forces.
He expressed hope that the relationship between the two countries would similarly remain strong.
Ambassador Lui also linked China-Gambia military cooperation to the broader responsibility of safeguarding international peace and security.
He noted China’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while recognizing The Gambia’s contribution to regional and international peacekeeping missions, including operations in Liberia and South Sudan.
He said the security environment in West Africa remained complex, making closer cooperation between the Chinese and Gambian armed forces increasingly important.
“Such cooperation, he said, could contribute not only to the interests of the two countries but also to regional and international peace and stability.”
The ambassador further highlighted China’s Global Security Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping, which promotes what China describes as common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.
He said China was prepared to work with The Gambia in implementing the initiative and supporting efforts towards a safer and more stable international environment.
Meanwhile, Major Abdoulie Secka, who has been selected for the upcoming training programme and has spent nine years in China, reflected on his experiences of Chinese society and culture.
He described Chinese culture as one of the world’s oldest and most influential, shaped over thousands of years by different ethnic groups, dynasties, philosophies, religions and regional traditions.
Major Secka highlighted the importance placed on family in Chinese society, particularly respect for parents and older family members.
He also identified traditional festivals and Chinese hospitality as important elements of the country’s cultural identity.
On security, he said China had developed a broad security system involving the police, emergency services, border control, cybersecurity agencies and the military.
The China-Gambia Military Bantaba provided an opportunity for Gambian officers to reflect on their experiences abroad while preparing another generation of military personnel for training in China.
The commissioning of the new mess and cookhouse, meanwhile, is expected to improve the welfare and training conditions of personnel at the GAF Training School.
The Chinese ambassador said the facilities would allow military personnel to devote greater attention to their studies and training.
As the two countries mark a decade since the restoration of diplomatic relations, the latest engagement signals continued efforts to deepen military and broader bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on capacity building, professional exchange, peace and stability.
TANGO Urges Restraint Over Chief Justice Appointment Challenge
The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) has called for calm and restraint following a constitutional challenge filed by The Gambia Bar Association over the appointment of the current Chief Justice.
In a press release issued recently, TANGO said the matter is currently before the Supreme Court of The Gambia, which is being asked to determine whether the appointment complies with the requirements of Section 139 of the 1997 Constitution.
The Bar Association’s legal challenge centres on whether the appointee meets the professional and jurisdictional requirements prescribed under Section 139. Supporters of the appointment point to the appointee’s extensive legal career and litigation experience, while the petitioners argue that the constitutional requirements relating to specific judicial office or common-law practice qualifications were not strictly fulfilled.
TANGO said it was issuing the statement because of the importance of the matter to constitutional governance and institutional stability.
“As a non-partisan organization dedicated to upholding constitutionalism, the rule of law, judicial independence, and democratic governance, we deem it necessary to make our position clear to the public, without prejudice to the ongoing judicial process,” the organisation said.
TANGO stressed that its interest was not in the personality of the office holder but in protecting the principles of constitutionalism, transparency and the rule of law.
The organisation said the Constitution provides the supreme legal framework for appointments to high public offices, including the Chief Justice.
It said citizens and institutions that question compliance with constitutional provisions should use the courts to seek interpretation and review.
“We recognize that the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia provides the supreme legal framework for all appointments to high public offices, including that of the Chief Justice,” TANGO stated.
The organisation said resorting to judicial review represents the proper and lawful way to resolve questions about constitutional compliance.
TANGO also urged stakeholders to respect the sub judice principle because the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.
The organisation said its statement did not seek to examine or determine the merits, demerits, legality or constitutionality of the appointment.
“This statement does not seek to examine, debate, or pronounce on the merits, demerits, legality or constitutionality of the appointment in question,” TANGO said.
It called on political parties, media organisations, legal commentators and members of the public to exercise maximum restraint while the case is pending.
TANGO warned against statements or actions that could prejudice the proceedings, undermine the Office of the Chief Justice or weaken public confidence in the Judiciary.
TANGO expressed confidence in the Judiciary to handle the matter impartially and professionally.
“We express our continued confidence in the Judiciary of The Gambia to handle this sensitive matter with the highest standards of impartiality, professionalism, and fidelity to the Constitution,” the organisation said.
It also stressed the need to protect judicial independence and the dignity of the Office of the Chief Justice while allowing the Court to determine the constitutional question on its legal merits.
Given the importance of the Chief Justice to the country’s democratic system, TANGO called on all stakeholders to remain calm and respect due process.
The organisation urged all parties to respect and abide by the final determination of the competent Court.
It said the constitutional challenge should not become a source of division but should instead provide an opportunity to strengthen democracy and clarify the country’s constitutional jurisprudence.
“We reiterate that this constitutional challenge should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen our democracy and clarify our constitutional jurisprudence, not as a cause for division,” TANGO said.
The organisation added that it would continue to monitor the proceedings and promote civic education on constitutional governance.
