By Mariam Williams
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), Major General (Maj.Gen.) Yankuba Drammeh recently paid a courtesy call on the head of Kanifing Municipality, Mayor Talib Bensouda of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
The visit of the country’s top military officer and his entourage, as disclosed by the officials, was geared towards cementing ties of cooperation and understanding between the two institutions, and to explore other areas of cooperation, especially in the context of peace and security.
CDS Drammeh remarked of the KMC, “We had a very strong and faithful relationship with this fine institution over years”, adding “I thought I should pay a visit to the KMC and to extend the fellowship as well as renew the partnership, and to explore other areas of cooperation in the service of collective interest.”
The GAF boss indicated that the Armed Forces, as an entity, cannot effectively operate in the absence of close collaboration, support and coordination with other institutions. “We want to reach out and extend our hands of fellowship to every Gambians,” said Maj. General Drammeh. He disclosed that the visit is designed exclusively to cement the bond of cooperation and understanding between the duo institution, and to explore other areas of cooperation, especially in the context of peace and security.
“Peace and security are indispensable tools if we are talking about sustainable development; and peace without security is not sustainable, and security without peace is not durable”, the top military officer told the audience. He stressed that there couldn’t be a meaningful development in the absence of peace and security, and these require collective efforts to work towards the maintenance of peace and security in the Gambia.
The army chief, therefore, called on all and sundry to work together in the advancement and propagation of peace and security “if we want to embrace socio-economic development in any context”.
The host, Mayor Bensouda, welcomed the army chief’s visit, re-echoing the fact that without peace and stability there could be no progress. Bensouda urged that, anywhere people came across military officials, “we should thank them for their service”, and he’s hopeful the relation would be stronger that day, and in the future.
“The council had been a very good partner to the Gambia Armed Forces especially when it comes to our jurisdiction and the personnel within our region”, the KMC boss disclosed. He added that the Armed Forces had always answered to their calls, and that they do go beyond the call of duty to support the Council. Mayor Bensouda reassured the GAF of their support.
Mr. Kajally Sanneh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) expressed gratitude in receiving officials from the GAF, as he used the moment to congratulate Drammeh, on his elevation as CDS of GAF.
The deputy CEO also highlighted the activities being done by the two institutions, namely KMC and GAF.
