President Adama Barrow handed five buses and five tractors to the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) at the State House in Banjul on Wednesday. This significant gesture is part of the government’s efforts to improve military operations and welfare.
GAF claims the vehicles will improve transport, allowing soldiers to move efficiently between military divisions. Additionally, the new tractors will boost military agriculture productivity.
High-ranking government officials, military leaders, and others participated. Chief of Defence Staff General Mamat O. Cham stressed that reliable transportation is essential to military operations during the occasion. He said the donation will enhance morale and help soldiers in line with the government’s Security Sector Reform program.
General Cham stressed that the GAF supports President Barrow’s food security and sovereignty goals. He thanked the donors of the five tractors, which will aid the GAF’s rice value chain and other agricultural activities.
“As a disciplined, resilient, and self-sufficient institution, we are dedicated to meeting the food and nutrition needs of the GAF and our family members,” he stated.
He also emphasised the change from physical security to human security, which includes food security.
“My predecessors Lt General Masanneh N Kinteh and Yakuba Drammeh, who founded the GAF Agricultural Drive, were visionary and dedicated. We also acknowledge the global shift from physical security to human security, which includes food security. He stated a nation’s strength is evaluated by its military and capacity to meet its people’s basic necessities.
General Cham said the GAF will continue to defend Gambia’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
President Barrow stated in his statement that his government will foster GAF productivity. “We will ensure that security sector transformations reflect our democratic values for our country. He added peace, security, and stability are our goals along with national progress.
The President said the agriculture program aims to equip GAF personnel with basic products, boost nutrition, and foster self-reliance in food security.
As we all know, security is crucial to achieving NDP and YIRIWA goals. The Gambia Armed Forces and its sister Forces help provide peace and stability for development, he said.
Five buses and five tractors supported the GAF’s agricultural efforts and officers’ mobility and timeliness.
President Barrow advised the GAF to maximise these resources for lifespan and effectiveness.
GAF officials thanked President Barrow for his continuing assistance, stating that the buses will reduce transit expenses and enhance personnel arrival times. They stated the tractors will boost agricultural output, reduce labour, and improve farming efficiency, helping the GAF’s food self-sufficiency and security goals.
