18/12/2024
ARMED FORCES (GAF) CONVENES A PRESS BRIEFING TO UPDATE THE PUBLIC ON THE CONDUCT OF EXERCISE “KANSALA 2024"
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) held a press briefing on Tuesday 17th December 2024 at the Defence Headquarters in Banjul to update the media on its up-coming 5-day Field Training Exercise (FTX) code-named Exercise “KANSALA 2024”. The Exercise which is being conducted under the theme "Operational Efficiency for Enhanced National Security" and also forms part of its reform and transformative agenda is aimed at enhancing the capacity and capability of our men and women in uniform,.
Briefing the media, the Commander of the Gambia National Army (GNA), Brigadier General Sait Njie informed the audience that over 700 personnel are taking part in the exercise and this includes personnel from the 3 services of GAF namely the GNA, the Navy and the Republican National Guard (RNG). Additionally, General Njie stated that GAF had also invited the other sister security services/agencies namely the Gambia Police Force, Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Services, State Intelligence Services, Drug Law Agency, among others to take part in this major exercise. According to the General Officer, the objective of the exercise among other things is to train these troops in the planning and ex*****on of Internal Security (IS) and Counterinsurgency Operations (COIN), with a view to enhancing their operational effectiveness. It is also aimed at adequately preparing them to be able to confront emerging and contemporary security challenges. General Njie went further to emphasize that the exercise also aims to improve interoperability as well as coordination and operational readiness among the troops/Services in safeguarding national security.
Exercise “KANSALA 2024” will commence on the 19th of December 2024 and will involve the movement of troops within the general area spanning from Sibanor in Foni Bintang covering the Foni belt along our Southern border with Senegal. The troops will be moving in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other military equipment while using and firing blank ammunition intermittently. They will also conduct other manoeuvres and embark on community outreach exercises where they will provide free medical screening as well as offer other social services as part of efforts to win hearts and minds of the populace in the areas.
The Exercise will end at Kanilia where a Distinguished VIP (D-VIP) Day is organised for invited guests and dignitaries on Monday 23th December 2024. The Special Guest of Honour for the D-VIP Day is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow while the other guests are Cabinet ministers, diplomats, Service Chiefs as well as National Assembly members of the Foni region.
Earlier in the day, the Commander of the GNA, Brigadier General Sait Njie accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Mamat O Cham and the National Security Advisor, Abubacarr Suleiman Jeng was at the State House to brief the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow on the conduct of Exercise KANSALA 2024.
In his remarks, the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Adama Barrow praised the military for conducting such exercises that keep their personnel fit. He emphasised that in a strong and stable democracy, the military has a crucial role without interfering in democratic processes. The President went further to emphasise that the military is a noble profession and urged the Armed Forces to remain professional in its duties, assuring them of his government’s continued support.
President Barrow concluded by once again reminding the senior command that when the military adheres to its designated role, it fosters a supportive and peaceful environment, ultimately assuring the people, investors, and development partners. He stated, “The private sector is key in development, but will always look for a peaceful environment.”
The Gambia Armed Forces.
