Gambia Armed Forces, Commonwealth Secretariat Launch Military Justice Training to Enhance Professionalism
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, has commenced a five-day Military Justice System Training Programme aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law within the military.
The training, which opened on Monday at the Joint Officers’ Mess in Kotu, is themed “Strengthening Military Justice, Operational Effectiveness and the Rule of Law.” The opening ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Sait Njie.
The programme is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of military justice procedures while promoting operational effectiveness, accountability, and compliance with international legal standards.
Speaking at the event, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Political Officer, Mr. Mukhtar Adesunkanmi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting peace and security across Commonwealth member states.
He described the training as a significant step towards enhancing the Gambia Armed Forces’ institutional capacity, professionalism, and understanding of military justice in line with global best practices.
Also speaking, the GAF Director of Training and Doctrine, Lieutenant Colonel Samba Baldeh, stressed the importance of accountability, professionalism, ethics, and respect for human rights in military operations.
He urged participants to actively engage in the training, noting that the knowledge acquired would strengthen discipline, integrity, and their commitment to national service.
In his keynote address, Brigadier General Sait Njie reaffirmed the Gambia Armed Forces’ commitment to upholding the rule of law, accountability, and respect for human dignity as the cornerstone of a professional military.
He also reiterated the Armed Forces’ dedication to supporting peace and security across Commonwealth nations, expressing confidence that the programme would further enhance the institution’s professionalism and contribution to national security.
According to him, today’s evolving security environment requires armed forces to combine operational readiness with strict compliance with legal and ethical standards.
“The professionalism of any military is measured not only by its operational capability but also by its respect for Military Justice and International Humanitarian Law,” he said.
Brigadier General Njie explained that these legal frameworks play a critical role in maintaining discipline, regulating military conduct during armed conflicts, protecting civilians and other vulnerable groups, safeguarding individual rights, preserving the legitimacy of military operations, and strengthening public confidence in the armed forces.
The opening ceremony was attended by renowned facilitators, including Judge Alan Large and Brigadier General Professor Dan Kuwali, alongside representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and senior officers of the Gambia Armed Forces.
The training underscores the Gambia Armed Forces’ commitment to building a professional military institution anchored on justice, accountability, and internationally accepted standards while enhancing its capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.
Gambia Armed Forces, Commonwealth Secretariat Launch Military Justice Training to Enhance Professionalism