Gambian president, Adama Barrow, has presided over the launch of the country’s maiden Defence Policy, describing it as a historic milestone in The Gambia’s Security Sector.
The defence Policy, which is a key objective of the Security Sector Reform, sets the Gambia on a new course to strengthen its management and regulation of the functions of its defence forces.
Some political commentators have said that the launch of the policy has been prioritised as a result of the growing wave of military coups in sub-Saharan Africa. They say the government has seen the urgent need to establish a clear working formula that would set genuine parameters and limitations for the armed forces personnel to function within a democratic system. This is in line with the policy’s objective of nurturing an armed force that is subservient to civil authority, upholds and promotes highest standards of regimentation and ethics.
According to reports from the Gambia, activists and commentators had been clamouring for the implementation of the policy since before the last presidential election, but it never materialised, until now.
In a presentation made at the validation of the policy in September, 2021, the Chairman of the Defence Policy Committee, Mr. Sheriff Gomez, underlined the government’s aspirations and overall objectives, through the Ministry of Defence, which included the management, administration, command and control of the Gambia Armed Forces within the provisions of the country’s constitution and democratic dispensation.
Gomez also said the policy recognised and amplified the inherent right and duty of the Gambian people to defend the homeland as being primary and resolute.
According to him, “the defence policy seeks to support, strengthen, and defend the values and aspirations of The Gambia, for the maintenance of a stable, peaceful and vibrant nation. It also seeks to ensure regulatory and oversight accountability processes on the activities of defense institutions for optimal utilisation of resources for national defence.”
The policy is intended to “articulate guidelines to protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity, contribute to national development, promote international peace and security and make provisions for the well-being of service personnel,” Gomez said.
A major aspect of the policy is its consideration of the need to give benefits for the relieved Armed Forces Officials and the need for the military to be considered in terms of the agreements or conventions that are being signed by the Gambia, a report pointed out.
