17th December 2004:

Gambian soldiers left Banjul for Darfur, Sudan, to participate for one year in the African Union's peace building efforts in that country.
The 196-member contingent including three female soldiers took leave of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, President Yahya Jammeh, on Friday at a farewell parade held at July 22nd Square in Banjul.

President Jammeh while inspecting the honour guard shook hands with each of them, and wished them good luck. Addressing the soldiers, the Gambian leader asked them to serve in Darfur as good ambassadors of The Gambia, adding that as soldiers they should display professionalism at all times.

President Jammeh called on members of the Darfur contingent to emulate their predecessors who serve in similar missions in East Timor, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea Bissau and Ethiopia, among others.
According to the President the German government will airlift and provide some other logistics for the Gambian contingent to Darfur. He also thanked the South African and Nigerian governments for their help.

Armed forces chief of staff, colonel Vincent Jatta, speaking earlier, expressed confidence that his men on this mission will live up to expectations. Colonel Jatta thanked the government and National Assembly for
approving the deployment of Gambian troops in Darfur.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Sidi Moro Sanneh, said Gambia's contribution in past peacekeeping efforts have been exemplary. "It is a proud moment for the commander-in-chief, your families and the Gambian people, as you leave for another international assignment".

The head of the Gambian contingent, Major Peter Singhatey, assured President Jammeh and the Gambian people that they will leave up to expectations.