On 26th April, 2018, The Vice president of the Republic of The Gambia Ajax Fatoumata JallowTabajang accompanied by a high powered delegation comprising of Ministers, service chiefs and senior civil servants arrived in Kanilai to attend the burial ceremony of the late Benedict Jammeh on behalf of the President HE Adama Barrow and the Government of the Gambia.
At the ceremony conducted in accordance withChristian rites, the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia Aja FJ Tambajang. presented charity on behalf of Government to the bereaved family and extended heartfeltcondolences on behalf of the President to the bereaved family describing the Ben Jammeh as a great son of the land whose untimely demise is a great loss for all.
She used the occasion to thank all and sundry for their support and cooperation and further expressed governments readiness to work hand in glove with the people of Kanilai. The corpse was thereafter taken to its final resting place. The VP accompanied by the Army Commander Brig. Gen. Momat Cham, DG SIS and other dignitaries left for the Army Camp 4th Infantry Battalion where a quarter guard was mounted by the troops on their arrival.
The Commanding Officer, Maj. Kruballywelcomed the team and made a brief speech in which he highlighted the history of unit from guard post to company strength and subsequently to a Battalion level after the change of government. He pointed out that the current strength is less than a Battalion but they are coping with their challenges.
He disclosed that the civil military relationship as well as relation between his troops andECOMIG troops is cordial and satisfactory. According to the Commander, they are not faced with major threats and furthered that although elements of the MFDC, used to visit their family members in Kanilai, they are not causing problems. He pledged their readiness and loyalty to serve the Nation at all times.
The Army Commander in his turn outlined the area of responsibility of the battalion to coverthe belt from Kartong, Kafuta, Bulock, Sibanorto Kalaji under Tiger watch.
For her part, Her Excellency the Vice President thanked them for the warm welcome accorded her and assured them, in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Security Council, ofgovernment’s trust and appreciation of their loyalty. She further assured that the presence of ECOMIG does not mean that they are not trusted. She reiterated that ECOMIG troops are not taking their role rather they are carrying out a neutral role to compliment GAF in ensuring peace and stability. She assured the troops that their plight will be looked into as soon as resources are available citing the poor state of economy they inherited. She told them how committed the military top brass is concerned about their welfare.
Thereafter the team was taking on a conductive tour of the complex as well the outside of ex-president living quarters, which was observed to be very dirty. Team also visited the site where the hyenas are kept where it was noted that the hyenas were hungry as they sometimes reportedly stay without food for couple of days as there is no budget for their feeding.
