President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has ordered the establishment of an independent board of inquiry to investigate alleged misconduct. This decisive directive from President Adama Barrow shows a commitment to transparency and accountability at the highest levels of the nation's defence structure. The directive follows President Barrow's acceptance of Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham's resignation. Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay announced the inquiry during the Government’s monthly press conference, providing details on the significant step taken by the President. The board's mandate is to thoroughly examine the accusations surrounding the former Defence Chief, ensuring accountability and transparency within the military leadership. This move signifies a resolute commitment to addressing governance issues within the country's security apparatus and maintaining public trust in its institutions. The independent nature of the board is intended to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the serious allegations that have emerged.
Details of Allegations and Inquiry
The inquiry will investigate allegations of misconduct levelled against former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham. These allegations were initially brought forward by Modou Saine, who previously served as the personal assistant to the ex-CDS. The specific nature of the misconduct claims has not been publicly detailed by the government, maintaining the confidentiality of the initial stages of the investigation. The establishment of an independent board of inquiry by President Adama Barrow is a critical step in addressing these claims with due diligence and impartiality.
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) addressed the situation in a recent press release. In their statement, the GAF indicated that no substantive evidence supporting the allegations has been established to date. Despite this, the official inquiry aims to thoroughly examine the claims and determine their veracity, ensuring a transparent process regarding the former Defence Chief's conduct. The investigation's findings are anticipated to inform any subsequent actions or decisions, upholding the principle that all individuals, regardless of their position, are subject to scrutiny and accountability. The board will be tasked with gathering all relevant information, interviewing witnesses, and compiling a full report to guide future actions.
Leadership Changes and Other Government Business
In a significant leadership change, Lieutenant General Ousman Gomez has been appointed as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff and has formally assumed his duties. Major General Gomez's appointment comes at a key time for the Gambia Armed Forces, as it navigates the ongoing inquiry and reinforces its commitment to professional standards.
In other government business, President Adama Barrow received Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the Banjul International Airport for a working visit. This high-level meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal, fostering closer ties between the two neighbouring nations on matters of mutual interest.
President Barrow also hosted a delegation from Morocco’s TIBU Africa following the launch of the Generation Supportive Programme in The Gambia. The Generation Supportive Programme focuses on youth development, school sports, health promotion, and skills training, representing a multifaceted approach to empowering the nation's youth. This initiative has a long-term objective of reaching more than 600 public primary schools nationwide by 2030, demonstrating a significant investment in the future of Gambian children.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education announced that a number of in-service graduates have had their employment status regularised, a move aimed at enhancing the stability of the education sector workforce. The Ministry also stated that teaching and administrative staff not captured during the civil service verification exercise are asked to participate in a final verification exercise scheduled from June 4 to June 15, 2026, ensuring accurate records and proper remuneration for all staff.
Diplomatically, The Gambia participated in the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, South Korea. Discussions at the meeting focused on key areas such as trade, investment, digital transformation, agriculture, and human capital development, noting The Gambia's engagement in international cooperation for national development. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a safety advisory to Gambians residing in South Africa following reports of rising xenophobic tensions in the region, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Economic Interventions and Security Enhancements
The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines announced a government subsidy intervention aimed at stabilizing fuel prices for consumers. This strategic intervention is designed to alleviate economic pressure on citizens. The government has injected D150 million to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices, marking the third such intervention by the government this year. Previous subsidy injections by the government totaled over D300 million in April and an additional D150 million in May, showing a consistent effort to mitigate the effects of international market fluctuations on domestic prices.
Separately, the Ministry of Interior, operating through the Gambia Immigration Department, received six new patrol vehicles. These vehicles are intended to enhance border security operations, providing critical resources for surveillance and response. The Gambia Immigration Department will utilize the patrol vehicles to combat irregular migration and address other transnational security challenges, reinforcing national security and control over the country's borders. This acquisition represents a tangible step towards modernizing and strengthening the capabilities of The Gambia's immigration services.
