The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh on Friday presided over the decoration of 75 officers of the Gambia Armed Forces who were recently promoted to various ranks ranging from Major to Lieutenant General. Among them are 7 Brigadier Generals, 1 Major General and 1 Lieutenant General.

Addressing the officers President Jammeh explained that the promotions were based on performance and patriotism. He congratulated them and advised them to continue to be loyal and prove themselves worthy of the promotions. The Gambian leader used the opportunity to outline the key roles of the Gambia Armed Forces which according to him include ensuring the country's sovereignty, peace and stability and sustainable development. Professor Jammeh hailed the Gambia Armed Forces for their outstanding performance at home and on the international front and vowed to always make them proud.

The Chief of Defense Staff Lang Tombong Tamba who has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General expressed gratitude to President Jammeh for his enormous support to the Gambia Armed Forces. Lieutenant General Tamba described the promotions as unprecedented in the history of the Gambia Armed Forces. The Chief of Defense Staff reaffirmed his officers' continued commitment to national duty noting that President Jammeh brought hope to the Gambia Armed Forces. He would not end without challenging the promoted officers to work harder in order to live up to their expectations.

In another engagement the chairman of the Presidential Fund Raising Committee Ardy Sarge presented to President Jammeh a cheque for over two million dalasi. The money was realized from the fundraising Gala Dinner organized on May 24th during the President's birthday celebrations in support of the President's Herbal Treatment Programme. Dr Sarge commended President Jammeh for his support which he said helped to make the event a success.