President Barrow Decorates Top Military Brass
By Mariama Dem
President Adama Barrow has elevated the ranks of three senior officers in the Gambian Armed Forces High Command during a decoration ceremony at State House in Banjul.
Chief of Defence Staff Major General Mamat O.A. Cham was promoted to Lieutenant General, while Deputy CDS Brigadier General Ousman Gomez rose to the rank of Major General. Colonel Sait Njie, Commander of the Gambia National Army, was also decorated as a Brigadier General.
The promotions, formalised on Friday, followed the officers’ appointments to their current High Command roles in September 2023.
In his address, President Barrow commended the trio for their “outstanding contributions” and dedicated service, highlighting his administration’s efforts to support the armed forces.
“I am sure you appreciate that, despite all our budgetary challenges since 2017, my administration managed to increase its budgetary allocation to GAF. Our objective is to improve the living standards and working conditions of our citizens in uniform,” the Gambian leader stated.
He underscored meritocracy in promotions, insisting “officers must meet the criteria set for promotion and be qualified enough to shoulder the responsibilities that go with their new ranks.”
Barrow also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration among security services to effectively tackle the nation’s challenges.
“Your elevation illustrates the trust and confidence we have in each of you. It reflects recognition of your dedication, leadership and loyalty to the nation,” he told the decorated officers.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I am proud to be associated with your laudable achievements in civilian-military-media relations.”
The president praised the High Command’s outreach efforts to rebrand the armed forces’ image among the civilian population through innovative initiatives.
Amid evolving global security threats, Barrow called for vigilance and regular strategic dialogue within the military’s ranks.
He acknowledged resource constraints but pledged his administration’s commitment to adequately equipping and maintaining the armed forces for operational effectiveness.
The ceremony allowed the president to directly interact with the military’s top brass, assess their progress since 2017, and chart the way forward for the GAF.