The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) have received fifteen buffalo vehicles, a consignment of uniforms and assorted military gear from the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Received on Friday 22 August 2025, the items were presented through His Excellency Hamoud Abdi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to The Gambia.
The consignment was officially handed over to the Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, who represented the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Muhammed BS Jallow, overseeing the Ministry of Defence. The Handing and Taking Over Ceremony was held at the Defence Headquarters in Banjul.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, underscored the importance of African solidarity and mutual support while expressing profound gratitude to the people and Government of Mauritania. CDS Cham extended appreciation to his counterpart, General Mohamed Val Ould Raiss, for the generous gesture and highlighted Mauritania’s commitment to training over 100 GAF personnel in specialized fields of military craft.
He noted that such initiatives will better position the GAF to address emerging challenges requiring advanced operational capabilities.
The CDS also recalled previous gestures of goodwill and cooperation extended by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
For his part, His Excellency Hamoud Abdi, the Mauritanian Ambassador to The Gambia, described the event as a testament to the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations. He commended the Chief of General Staff of the Mauritanian Armed Forces, General Mohamed Val Ould Raiss, for strengthening ties of brotherhood and cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Jallow, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang stated that the vehicles and uniforms arrived at a crucial time and will significantly boost the operational capacity of the GAF. He emphasised that the support would enable the GAF to improve community security, extend services to remote areas, enhance emergency response, and uplift troop morale.
Minister Sanyang further expressed gratitude to the leadership of both nations for their unwavering support, shared vision for regional cooperation, and steadfast commitment to African solidarity.
The event was wrapped up with an inspection of the donated items and a group photo session.
