By Amadou Jadama on tour
The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Ousman Gomez, has issued a stern warning to all men and women in uniform to stay away from politics and tribalism as the country heads toward the presidential election, declaring that there is “zero tolerance” for these vices within the ranks of GAF.
The CDS made these remarks yesterday at Njongon and Kerr Pateh military bases in the North Bank Region during a nationwide tour of military installations, designed to meet troops to articulate his vision and assess their welfare
The CDS would equally meet representatives of sister security services, community and religious leaders as well as relevant stakeholders to constructively engage them on the need to maintain and sustain peace.
CDS Gomez laid out clear directives on conduct, discipline, and professionalism as GAF prepares to support civilian authorities during the election period.
He said the role of the military in the upcoming elections, is such that a firm line is drawn against partisan involvement.
“We are intensifying our training on Internal Security Operations (IS0) to ensure we are fully prepared for our constitutional duties. However, preparation is not permission to engage in politics. You will not attend political rallies unless on official duties. You are servants of the state, not of any party or individual. Any soldier who crosses this line breaks his or her oath and will be held accountable. You have the right though to vote as a citizen based on your constitutional right,” he told the soldiers.
The army chief added: “Our only tribe and political party , is the Gambia Armed Forces”. The tour continues.