Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), Major General Ousman Gomez, has warned soldiers against tribalism and ethnic divisions, saying they threaten military unity and professionalism.
Gomez issued the warning during a tour of military installations across the country, where he has been speaking to troops about discipline, unity and professional conduct.
“There is a cancer that tries to eat away at armies, especially in Africa: tribalism,” Gomez told soldiers. “I am ordering you directly: desist from tribalism or tribal sentiments.”
He said ethnic identity must have no place in the military.
“In this uniform, we do not see Mandinka, Fula, Wolof or Jola,” he said. “We see soldiers. We see Gambians. We see brothers and sisters in arms. Our only tribe is the Gambia Armed Forces.”
Gomez warned that soldiers who promote ethnic or regional divisions could face disciplinary action, stressing that military effectiveness depends on cohesion and trust.
His remarks come ahead of the December 5 presidential election, amid growing concern among political and civil society leaders over ethnic and identity-based rhetoric.
The defence chief also cautioned soldiers against using social media to disclose operational, administrative or other confidential military information.
He reminded personnel that the GAF Directorate of Press and Public Relations is the authorized channel for official military communication. Soldiers who disclose information about troop movements, operations or internal affairs could face disciplinary consequences.
“Loyalty to the institution is demonstrated through silence and discretion,” Gomez said, “not by likes and shares.”
He urged personnel to put their responsibilities to the armed forces and the country above ethnic, regional and personal affiliations.
