208 Gambian peacekeepers set for Darfur

By Omar Bah Minister of Women’s Affairs, Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang yesterday bade farewell to 208 Gambian soldiers bound for a one-year mission to Darfur, Sudan. The contingent is the 20th Gambian contingent to be deployed to Darfur. The contingent, which is under the command of Colonel Musa Trawally, has 6 female officers and 19 female soldiers. In her keynote address, the minister of women’s affairs overseeing the office of the Vice President, Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, reassured the military of her government’s unflinching support. “I want to assure the entire Gambia Armed Forces of President Adama Barrow’s unflinching support. As peace is one of the deepest desires of mankind, my government will ensure at all cost that security remains the order of day,” she said. She continued: “To those of you going to Darfur to represent the country I want to remind you all that the UN definition of humanitarian is serving somebody who has not have the privilege to his livelihood and stability to meet their needs. Always look at the people you serve as your partners and do not at any point look down on them”. She called on the departing soldiers to serve as good ambassadors of the Gambia in Darfur. Meanwhile, presiding over the parade at the July 22nd Square in Banjul on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Masanneh Kinteh challenged the Gambian peacekeepers to be steadfast during their mission and maintain the good reputation of the GAF abroad. “As we bade you farewell it provokes mixed feelings in all of us. Because it is sad to part with your families and friends, but on the other hand the entire country is proud that you are leaving for a humanitarian and peace support mission which would strengthen the tremendous successes that we have registered in Darfur over the years,” he said. He said peacekeeping missions draw strength from diversity, and the contribution of the Gambia armed forces to peacekeeping worldwide has grown significantly in recent years. “The aspect of your mission includes providing the enabling environment for humanitarian support to Darfurians, on issues such as the resettlement of IDPs and refugees and the protection of civilian population from all forms of violence. “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper and always listen and counsel each other in your day to day pursuits, mission and other commitments,” he advised.]]>