By: Dawda Baldeh
Former independent presidential aspirant Mamadou Bah, leader of the Economic Liberation Movement, has called for the withdrawal of ECOMIG troops from The Gambia. In a statement seen by this medium, Bah argued that the continued presence of foreign forces undermines the country’s sovereignty, stressing that true independence requires full control over national security.
“For us to be truly independent and take control of our sovereignty, we must take control of our security,” he said, emphasising that The Gambia’s independence must never be compromised under any foreign influence or military presence. “The continued stay of Senegalese and Nigerian troops in The Gambia, long after the 2017 political transition, raises serious questions about our sovereignty and national pride,” he added.
Bah further stated that the ECOMIG mission, which began as a regional peace initiative, has now become a symbol of dependency and external control. He argued that no nation can be truly free if its security is commanded by foreign soldiers, saying that the government’s reliance on these forces undermines the morale of the Gambian military, weakens national institutions, and sends a dangerous message that the country cannot protect itself.
He described the situation as “unacceptable and an insult to the dignity of our people” and to the sacrifices of those who fought for independence from colonial rule. As leader of the Economic Liberation Movement, Bah made several recommendations, including an urgent review and clear timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Gambian soil, a comprehensive national security review to rebuild the Gambian Armed Forces into a strong, professional, and independent institution, and the establishment of a new chapter of mutual respect and balanced diplomacy with ECOWAS partners — a relationship based on equality, not subordination.
Bah stressed that The Gambia believes in cooperation, not domination. “We seek peace with our neighbours, but we reject any form of foreign military control or political interference,” he reiterated. “The Gambia must rise again, free, proud, and self-reliant. Under ELP leadership, we will restore full sovereignty, rebuild our defence capacity, and ensure that the destiny of The Gambia is decided in Banjul, not in Dakar or Abuja,” he said.
“Our independence is sacred, our sovereignty is non-negotiable, and our dignity is eternal,” he concluded.
By: Dawda Baldeh Former independent presidential aspirant Mamadou Bah, leader of the Economic Liberation Movement, has called for the withdrawal of ECOMIG troops from The Gambia. In a statement seen by this medium, Bah argued that the continued presence of foreign forces undermines the country’s sovereignty, stressing that true independence requires full control over national The Fatu Network
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