The Gambia Armed Forces Training School (GAFTS) in Fajara witnessed a significant
milestone on August 13, 2026, with the official commissioning of a newly constructed
joint mess and the hosting of the China-Gambia Military Bantaba. The event marked a
celebration of the deepening military cooperation between The Gambia and the
People Republic of China.
The new facility, which was funded by a generous contribution of 2.5 million Dalasis
from the Chinese Embassy, is the first of its kind in the history of the Gambian military.
During the ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Major General Ousman Gomez
expressed his profound gratitude for the support, recalling his initial skepticism when the
project was first proposed.
“I could remember when Major Secka came with this that the People Republic of
China has given some 2.5 million to put up a mess” CDS Gomez recounted. “I said,
really, are you serious?” He emphasised the urgency of securing the funding, noting
that he insisted on receiving the cheque promptly to ensure the project realisation.
The mess is expected to significantly improve the training capacity of the Armed Forces
Training School by providing a dignified dining environment for recruits and instructors.
General Gomez urged personnel to emphasise the facility rigorously. “Whenever you
come here in the next five years, let it be as it is today” he charged the beneficiaries.
“Make best use of it. Maintain it and keep it how it is. It is a facility that we cannot lose.”
Similarly, Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Liu Jin, echoed
sentiments of enduring partnership. He noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary
of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Over the past
decade, approximately 100 Gambian military officers have studied in China, many of
whom now serve in key capacities within the Gambian Armed Forces.
“I was informed that about 100 Gambian military officers studied in China over the past
10 years” Ambassador Liu stated. “Many of them have served the Gambian Armed
Forces in different important capacities. Your story reaffirmed the value of military
exchange.”
During the event, the Chinese Embassy presented a tapestry of the Great Wall of China
as a symbolic gift. Ambassador Liu drew parallels between the Great Wall symbolism
of unity and resilience and the mission of the Gambian Armed Forces. “In the Chinese
peoples mind, the Great Wall is a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of
the Chinese people” he said. “I hope that the friendship between China and The
Gambia will be like the Great Wall, strong, enduring, and able to withstand the test of
time.” In a significant announcement, Ambassador Liu presented invitation letters to a
new batch of 14 Gambian officers set to travel to China for military programmes. He
encouraged them to become goodwill and to utilize their training to
better serve their country.
Also, the Commandant of GAFTS, Major Abdoulie Secka, highlighted the importance of
the event in his address, emphasizing that the commissioning of the mess was not just
about infrastructure but a celebration of partnership and friendship. He recalled that the
first China-Gambia Military Bantaba was held exactly one year prior, on August 21,
2025, where the initial funding for the project was handed over by Charge de Affairs
Zhao Shangsen.
“The support and confidence of the High Command continue to inspire us at the training
school to uphold the highest standards of military training, discipline, professionalism,
and welfare” Major Secka stated. He stressed that the mess would serve as not only
a dining facility but as a place to strengthen camaraderie and military ethics.
Acknowledging the technical expertise within the Gambian Armed Forces, CDS Gomez
praised the Engineering Corps for constructing the magnificent building without external
supervision. “That shows that we can do whatever we want to do within the Gambian
Armed Forces” he noted.
Alumni shared their experience, while selected soldiers also briefed
their expectations and applauded the China-Gambia initiative, expressing more
opportunities to build the capacity of soldiers.
The ceremony concluded with a call for continued cooperation. While celebrating the
new mess, CDS Gomez highlighted a remaining need for a larger auditorium capable of
holding 300-500 students for lectures, appealing to Ambassador Liu for future support.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior military officials, members of the
China-Gambia Military Students Alumni, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy in
Banjul. Attendees were allowed to tour the new facility and participate in a luncheon,
marking a new chapter in the welfare and training standards of the Gambia Armed
Forces.
