Numbering 196, including 3 females, the contingent is the eighth to be deployed to the Sudanese troubled Region of Darfur and is expected to leave on Wednesday 11th February 2009. They have undergone pre-deployment training with the British Royal Gibraltar Regiment - a preparation that ensured the personnel are physically and mentally fit for the harsh terrain of Darfur.

The Gambia has continued to commit troops to Darfur since the beginning of the mission 4 years ago. It has an overall clean record in all its peace keeping missions – a history that is unmatched in the sub-region. They have as well displayed a high sense of morale and restraint in assisting warring factions implement agreements and their neutrality had never been questioned.

The Chief of Defence Staff Major General Lang Tombong Tamba leaned on the country's military achievements in hoping for results and certainty in Darfur. He advised the personnel drawn mainly from the Army, the Navy and the National Guards and other support services to maintain contact with their families while serving an ambassadorial role in Sudan.

Cheening on their Commander-in-Chief who had also served similar mission in Liberia he maintained that the role of the Gambian Armed Forces is multi-faceted underpinned by a mandate to protect life and the territorial integrity of the country and to contribute effectively in peace building and maintenance.

President Jammeh reminded the men and women preparing to reinforce the UN Mission in Darfur that their conviction must always be to maintain peace in the region. He recognized the role of patrons in the professionalism of The Gambia Armed Forces and other services in the country.

Back to the formation of men and women gearing for the eighth deployment to Darfur - President Jammeh warned that his government will not tolerated illegal activities and unrestraint behaviour on civilians.The contingent should above all maintain the clean bill of record of the 25 year of the Gambia Armed Forces.

Lt. Col. Ousman Badgie the contingent Commander said the President's advice is well taken. It is formally a final goodbye to their Commander-in-Chief and other dignitaries that gathered at the farewell parade – but just like their families, the President expects them home at the end of their 6 months mission to Darfur.