Gambia, UK Strengthen Defence Ties as Military Chiefs Meet in Banjul
Gambia, UK Strengthen Defence Ties as Military Chiefs Meet in Banjul
Gambia, UK Strengthen Defence Ties as Military Chiefs Meet in Banjul
The Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, Mamat O.A. Cham, has reaffirmed the importance of international defence partnerships following a high-level meeting with a United Kingdom delegation in Banjul.
General Cham received Thomas A. Harper, Head of British Defence Staff (West Africa) and Adviser to Nigeria, at the Defence Headquarters on April 23, 2026, in a visit aimed at deepening long-standing military cooperation between The Gambia and the United Kingdom.
The meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to exchange views on evolving global security challenges, particularly developments in the Sahel and the Middle East, and their implications for smaller nations. Discussions also covered the operational capacity of the Gambian Armed Forces and areas of mutual strategic interest.
General Cham expressed appreciation to the UK government and its armed forces for their continued support in capacity building and logistics, noting that such assistance has contributed significantly to strengthening the GAF.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Harper commended the GAF leadership for its progress, including the successful conduct of its recent commissioning course.
As part of his visit, Harper toured the Naval Command, where he inspected Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats donated by the UK to enhance maritime operations. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Fajara War Cemetery.
The visit concluded with a reception hosted by the British High Commission, bringing together Gambian military personnel who are alumni of UK training programmes, alongside Chevening scholars.
During the event, General Cham also bid farewell to the outgoing UK Defence Adviser to The Gambia, Lieutenant Colonel Sigolène Hobson, commending her contributions to strengthening military cooperation between both countries.
Gambia, UK Strengthen Defence Ties as Military Chiefs Meet in Banjul
