Gambia’s Chief of Defence Staff Mamat O. A. Cham has issued a stark order, in a direct and uncompromising address to frontline soldiers, saying: “Shoot to kill any armed criminal posing an immediate, visible threat to life during security operations.”
Speaking to troops stationed in Kanilai, near the volatile Senegalese border, the CDS emphasised that soldiers encountering armed robbers or looters actively threatening civilians at gunpoint must use lethal force decisively.
“If you see that someone is visibly holding a weapon that could turn against you, shoot to kill, and there is no regret about that. There is no ambiguity,” the CDS declared, saying this directive is a core duty sworn to defend the nation. He stressed that this stance had previously been misrepresented, hence required absolute clarity.
Moreover, regarding the security mandate and border challenges, the CDS framed the “shoot to kill” order within the troops’ primary mission: securing Kanilai and surrounding villages so residents can live without fear, travel safely, and farm without ambush.
He directly linked the heightened threat level to the low-intensity conflict and armed rebellion in Senegal’s Casamance region.
While reaffirming that The Gambia is not a party to the conflict and desires peace for Senegal, the CDS stated that neutrality is difficult to maintain.
“We cannot remain neutral,” he asserted, citing frequent cross-border movements of insurgents and the spillover of conflict.
The CDS addressed the Gambia-Senegal defence agreement, specifically the “hot pursuit” clause allowing forces to chase a known enemy up to 5 kilometres into the other’s territory, provided prior notification is given.
He emphasised that such pursuits must avoid populated areas, schools, and hospitals. “Crucially the pursuing nation bears financial liability for any collateral damage caused,” according to the clause.
The CDS vehemently rejected social media claims that the agreement compromised sovereignty, stating: “There’s nothing in there that undermines Gambian sovereignty. Agreements are meant to be reciprocal. We owe no loyalty other than to The Gambia.” He dismissed critics as spreading propaganda.
In his key directives to the troops, the CDS urged constant vigilance through rigorous patrols along the common border with Senegal. Additionally, CDS Cham ordered an arrest mandate.
“Detain anyone crossing into The Gambia carrying weapons or tools intended to destabilize either The Gambia or Senegal. We are not harbouring anyone,” he added, reiterating the “unambiguous authorization of lethal force against armed criminals posing an immediate, visible lethal threat to civilians or soldiers”.
CDS Cham reminded the armed forces to remain strictly apolitical and focus solely on national security while placing the nation’s security squarely on the shoulders of the border troops.
“Know that the security of the country rests on your shoulders,” he pointed out. “Anything that you see likely to threaten the security of this country, you must report; and if you can take action against it, then you must do so.”
The speech underscored the high-risk environment along the Casamance border, demanding unwavering vigilance and decisive action from soldiers, with the “shoot to kill” order against armed threats standing as the clearest and most forceful directive.
