The Vice President, Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, on Tuesday morning, bade farewell to one hundred and ninety-six (196) soldiers of the Gambia Armed Forces at a ceremony held at the July 22nd Square.
The ceremony which took the form of a match past was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Lang Tombong Tamba, Cabinet Ministers, Service Chiefs and a cross section of the public.
This 9th contingent including six officers and ten female soldiers under the command of Colonel Serign Modou Njie, left for Darfur to replace Gamcoy 8, whose tour of duty has successfully come to an end.

In her farewell speech, Vice President Njie-Saidy underscored the importance of their mission noting that their presence in Darfur alongside other African countries will be of great significance, as it will give hope to people who have been deprived of their right to live normal lives. She informed them that their adherence to the principles and values that bond them as one contingent will undoubtedly be the force that would drive them towards achieving their objectives. This she said would be reinforced by the skills and knowledge they acquired during their pre-deployment training.
Madam Njie-Saidy further stated that government and all the people of The Gambia have confidence in their capabilities, as they undertake this humanitarian and peace support mission.
She thanked parents, relatives and loved ones who join them to bid the contingent farewell.
For his part, the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Lang Tombong Tamba commended His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh for his tireless commitment and dedication to our Armed Forces over the past fifteen years and for allowing his government to approve their participation in the Darfur peace support mission.
General Tamba stated that the numerous achievements and commendations from various missions that the troops had served have been honoured to the Gambian contingents for exemplary characters, professionalism and discipline.
He said the Gambia Armed Forces’ involvement in the peace support operations in Darfur and other war-torn countries clearly indicated that our Armed Forces was not built to only protect its citizenry against external aggression but also to support and respond to international calls to world peace.
General Tamba also revealed that despite all challenges, the Gambia Armed Forces will do as much as their limited resources allow them in ensuring peace and stability in this Sudanese troubled region of Darfur.
He went further to say that he is convinced that with the training they acquired during their pre-deployment training, combined with their previous peacekeeping experiences, would be enough to serve as license for their professionalism and ability to operate effectively.
He reminded the contingent that the presence of a soldier anywhere must be a symbol of hope, security and confidence to that society.  He further advised them that the mission requires diplomacy, patience and professionalism, which will bring everlasting peace.

Speaking earlier, the Press Officer and chairperson of the occasion, Mr. Momodou Saidy, highlighted that the Gambia Armed Forces under the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh, have proven in mission after mission that they are truly an army of excellence.  He noted that the peace and tranquility enjoyed by all Gambians today is because of the gallantry and loyalty of our soldiers.  Mr. Saidy continued to say that The Gambia has been sending troops to Sudan for the past six years as her contribution in support of peace efforts by the international community to establish tranquility in Darfur.  He said the role of a soldier both in times of peace and war is to serve as custodian of the rights and privileges of the people of the country they defend.

By Alhagi Ceesay and Lamin Kujabi