GAF To Investigate Soldiers Seen Lowering Banner

The Gambia Armed Forces High Command Thursday said it has ordered an immediate investigation after videos and pictures surfaced online – showing soldiers lowering banners in which Talib Bensouda is flanked by two wrestlers.

The incident has undoubtedly attracted a lot of noise, especially on social media.

It also caught the attention of the GAF High Command. And in a statement, the GAF said: “The GAF wishes to clarify that this behaviour, on the part of these individuals, is not representative of what it stands for as an institution. The position of GAF, since the dawn of the new dispensation, is very clear; that its personnel should not participate in partisan politics, incitement of tribal and religious sentiments. It may be gratifying to state that a lot has been achieved by GAF in this endeavour during the period under review hence its position as a neutral and apolitical institution.”

“This is a posture that the Armed Forces will uphold and continue to propagate within its ranks. Therefore, GAF considers this act as an isolated incident. Notwithstanding, the GAF High Command has given directives for an immediate investigation to be conducted into the matter. We wish to assure the general public that appropriate actions will be taken against anyone found wanting.” The statement states.

“Meanwhile, we regret any inconvenience this unfortunate incident might have caused.”

Although the army has ordered an investigation, it is not clear how long it would take, or what the punishment for these soldiers would be. It is also not clear if the army will release the names and designations of the soldiers involved.