CDS Gomez Urges Troops to Stay Out of Border Issues

By Isatou Sarr

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), Lieutenant General Ousman Gomez, has urged troops to stay out of border-related issues and allow the respective border commissions to handle matters within their mandate.

Gomez made the remarks on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, during a courtesy visit to West Coast Region Governor Ousman Bojang at his office in Brikama.

The visit formed part of the second leg of the CDS’s 2026 nationwide tour of military installations, which includes engagements with GAF personnel, regional administrators, community leaders and host communities.

Gomez told the governor that he had advised troops to avoid involvement in border matters, stressing that such issues did not fall within their mandate.

He urged personnel to remain patient and professional while allowing the border commissions of The Gambia and the neighbouring country to carry out their responsibilities.

The CDS said the nationwide tour was also aimed at strengthening relations between the military and communities hosting GAF installations.

He said his message throughout the tour had centred on peace and the principle of “One Gambia, One People.”

Gomez also disclosed that he had met heads of other security services and stressed the importance of cooperation among the country’s security institutions.

“There is no competition among the services,” he said, noting that the various security agencies have complementary roles in maintaining peace and security.

Addressing military personnel, the CDS urged them to uphold the reputation of the GAF, maintain discipline and professionalism, and strengthen civil-military relations with host communities and the wider civilian population.

Governor Bojang welcomed Gomez and his delegation and congratulated him on his appointment as CDS.

He also commended the “One Gambia, One People” message, saying he had followed activities of the nationwide tour through the media.

Gomez described engagements with regional administrators and host communities as part of the customary activities of the nationwide tour. He said he had already met several regional administrators and communities during the exercise.

He thanked Governor Bojang for the reception accorded to him and his delegation.

The nationwide tour provides the CDS with an opportunity to engage directly with military personnel and civilian stakeholders while reinforcing messages on discipline, professionalism, peace and cooperation between the armed forces and communities.