The newly appointed Minister of Defence, Babucarr O. Joof, has vowed that under his leadership, Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) will be more productive, effective, and efficient in addressing the needs of soldiers.
Minister Joof was speaking during his meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), Lieutenant General Mamat OA Cham, at the Ministry of Defence complex in Banjul. The CDS was accompanied by his Military Assistant, Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulie Jobe.
The Minister noted the challenges and the constraints of the Armed Forces and indicated that he would always push the agenda of GAF to be more effective, efficient, and professional.
He also emphasised he would work hard to see the relationship between the Armed Forces and the civil populace solidified.
Minister Joof thanked the CDS for the visit and the briefings he gave. He pointed out that such discussions would help enhance the information and communication flow between the two offices.
The courtesy call aimed to brief the new Minister on the structural composition, mandates, and key operations of the GAF. CDS Cham outlined the three main service branches of the Armed Forces: the Gambia National Army (GNA), the Gambia Navy (GN), and the Republican National Guard (RNG). He also provided an overview of the various Military deployments across the country.
Highlighting the ongoing transformation agenda, the CDS discussed policy reviews on the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) for officers and soldiers, updates to the Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE), peacekeeping initiatives, and capacity-building programs locally and abroad.
He further emphasised the Armed Forces’ strong strategic partnership with the Republic of Turkey, which continues to provide critical logistical and training support.
Lieutenant General Cham noted that the GAF is undergoing a paradigm shift to modernise and professionalise its forces, including plans to establish engineering and logistics battalions and to engage in agricultural projects aimed at enhancing food security and self-sufficiency.
Despite these advancements, the CDS outlined key challenges faced by the Armed Forces, including infrastructure deficits, mobility limitations, and shortages in equipment, uniforms, and other essential logistics.
The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Madam Rohie Bittaye Darboe, and the Military Assistant to the Minister, Commander Adama Trawalleh.
