Presided over by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Sering Modou Njie (Rtd), The Gambia Armed Forces, through the ministry of Defence, held a decoration ceremony for 16 promoted officers to various ranks ranging from Captain to Lieutenant Colonel, 25 Officer Cadets, commissioned to Second Lieutenants and 5 Senior Non Commissioned Officers , commissioned to Lieutenants on Friday, May 23, 2025 in a ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters complex in Banjul.The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Security, Honorable Seedy SK Njie, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Mr Nani Juwara, and the National Security Adviser to the President, Mr Abubacarr Sulayman Jeng.
Delivering a keynote address shortly after the decorations, Honorable Minister Njie thanked His Excellency the president and Commander-in-Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces, Mr Adama Barrow for approving the promotions and the commissioning, noting that the act does not only demonstrates the President’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and career progression of the men and women in uniform, but also serves as an enduring symbol of trust and confidence in their capabilities.
The Defence boss also took the opportunity to commend the CDS , GAF, for his exemplary leadership that has ensured effective coordination, operational efficiency, and unwavering professionalism across the services of GAF. He further applauded the CDS for his dedication to the strategic oversight and administration of GAF, which continues to inspire confidence and uphold the dignity of the institution.
The Honourable Minister indicated that the promotions and the commissioning of the officers were strictly based on merits as a result of rigorous assessments and a reflection of their commitment to the ideals and values of The Gambia Armed Forces. He urged the decorated officers to wear their new ranks with pride, but also with humility and to remain loyal to the Commander-in-Chief, the Constitution, and to the people of The Gambia at all times thereby to be disciplined in conduct, and to be accountable in all their duties.
Honorable Minister Njie underlined the commitment of his ministry to the continuous support and development of The Gambia Armed Forces. ” We are resolute in our mission to ensure that our troops are well- equipped, well trained and well motivated to defend our sovereignty and contribute to national security”. He emphasized.
The former General challenged the newly decorated officers to seize the moment to rededicate themselves to the noble calling of military service and to also be an inspiration to those under their command, and their leadership to reflect the values that makes GAF a proud pillar of our national identity. He concluded.
The Chief of Defence Staff Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat OA Cham, on his part, thanked the President and the Commander-in-Chief, Mr Adama Barrow, through the Ministry of Defence for his approval of the promotions and the commissioning of the decorated officers. He also thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence and his committed staff for always standing by GAF in its development aspirations and transformation agenda.
The ceremony was also graced by the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Gambia Armed Forces, Major General Ousman Gomez, Service Chiefs, representatives from security services, former GAF Commanders, families of the decorated officers, and members of the press.
