Staff officers at the Joint Services Headquarters have called for the refurbishment of the headquarters’ main building, an appeal made on Thursday evening during the final meeting of Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Ousman Gomez’s nationwide familiarisation tour of military installations. Lieutenant-General Gomez acknowledged the complaints received during his tour, stating, "We have gone on tour, we have received some complaints. But specifically to the issues raised by members of the Gambia Armed Forces, the units, our units, and our formations. And here we are. We are the people to solve that problem. The problem cannot be solved by me." He further emphasized the responsibility of unit leaders, instructing them, "You cannot wait for CDS to resolve your GNA. No. You cannot wait for CDS to resolve your RNG. RNG is yours. That’s why you are given that tax and responsibility." He added, "You will have all my support. You will have all the support of the ministry, the support of His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, and His Excellency President Barrow. But it is our responsibility to ensure that we perform."
Building's Deterioration Detailed
Concerns have been raised that leaking roofs and flooding during heavy rainfall could damage official records and equipment within the Joint Services Headquarters. The potential for such damage shows the urgency of refurbishment efforts. The meeting where these issues were discussed brought together directors and commanders from various services of the Gambia Armed Forces, alongside other officers and staff present at the headquarters. The Gambia Armed Forces comprise three distinct services: the Army, the Navy, and the Republican National Guard. These services collectively operate from the headquarters, making the building's condition a shared concern across the military branches.
CDS Addresses Broader Military Issues
Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Ousman Gomez stated that many concerns raised during his tour were matters that commanders and directors within the Gambia Armed Forces could address themselves. Lieutenant-General Gomez noted his direct working relationship with the directors, remarking, "I’m much grateful to stand before you this evening talking to my own people and that is the directors I’m working directly with." He reiterated that while complaints were received during the tour, particularly from members of the Gambia Armed Forces and its units and formations, the responsibility for solving these problems lay with the officers present. "We have gone on tour, we have received some complaints. But specifically to the issues raised by members of the Gambia Armed Forces, the units, our units, and our formations. And here we are. We are the people to solve that problem. The problem cannot be solved by me," he stated. He emphasized that commanders should not wait for him to resolve issues such as promotions or unit rotations, citing examples like an intake seniority dispute. "Let’s say an intake, 30 intake will senior 19 intake. That can be remedied by the services. If you are to promote, just get the whole list of your service. It doesn’t matter if all the senior men are in 1BN. Promote them and resolve your unit," he explained, adding, "You cannot wait for CDS to resolve your GNA. No. You cannot wait for CDS to resolve your RNG. RNG is yours. That’s why you are given that tax and responsibility. You can only seek guidance from me, but you are given the responsibility to head that unit." He further stressed, "You cannot wait for CDS to rotate your battalion. No. It is your battalion. Rotate them when you feel like rotating them. You have powers. That is not my job." He also mentioned that if a soldier goes absent without leave, existing orders allow for their arrest. Lieutenant-General Gomez concluded by urging officers to come to him with solutions, not just problems. "And if you are coming to me with a problem, make sure you come with a solution. Don’t come with a problem and start boring me. We are the ones to make the armed forces move," he said.
General Gomez divided the challenges facing the armed forces into short-term, mid-term, and long-term issues, urging a proactive approach to problem-solving. He encouraged officers to utilize common sense in addressing these challenges. "Why not we use our six common sense to solve problems? That’s why the nickname goes to us that we have six common sense and not five," he remarked. He also issued a warning against complacency, stating, "It cannot be business as usual. If you are given an assignment, we believe that you can perform to the best of your ability. If you cannot do it, I said it, we’ll change you."
General Gomez stated that directors should not restrict their work to conventional office hours. He warned against the presence of tribal sentiment within the armed forces, asserting that such divisions would be detrimental. "Tribal sentiment, we have seen it. That will not help us. It will only bring chaos," he cautioned. He further clarified the military's identity, stating, "We do not have tribe in the military. Our tribe is the Gambia Armed Forces. Our uniform is our tribe." He reiterated that the Gambia Armed Forces is apolitical, and any personnel wishing to engage in politics should leave the service. "The Gambia Armed Forces is apolitical. If you want to do politics, you can give us our uniform. You can join any political party or form any political party. It’s your right. But as long as you put on the Gambia Armed Forces uniform, we should not engage in any politics," he stated.
General Gomez reminded personnel that they put on uniform to serve the Gambian people, stressing the importance of dedication and performance. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, stating, "Drug trafficking is not our way, zero tolerance. If you’re found wanting you have no place in our military." He also warned that those found wanting in any wrongdoing would face court martial. "If you are found wanting in anything, you face the court martial," he said. He concluded by expressing his vision for the military: "We put on uniform to serve the Gambian people and we must work. This should be armed forces of the people and people should be there to admire the armed forces."
Leadership Expectations and Warnings
General Gomez stated that commanders should take initiative in addressing matters within their authority, noting that some issues could be resolved directly by the services without requiring instructions from Defence Headquarters. He also issued a warning that personnel unable to meet their responsibilities could face replacement.
General Gomez addressed the political neutrality of the armed forces, asserting that as long as personnel wear the Gambia Armed Forces uniform, they should not engage in any political activities. He emphasized that the military is apolitical and those wishing to participate in politics should leave the service.
General Gomez announced a zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking within the armed forces. He stated that those found involved in such activities would have no place in the military, indicating a strict enforcement of regulations against illegal drug involvement. He also reiterated that any wrongdoing would lead to personnel facing court martial.