The occasion attracted all the security chiefs in sister security services across the country and witnessed the dispensation of their advice for the departing men and woman. They urged them to maintain good behaviour and raise the flag of The Gambia during their tour of duties.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary of State for Interior, Mr. Ousman Sonko, said that the departing officers are young men and intelligent enough so doubt they will raise the flag of The Gambia. “The Gambia recognised for peace keeping missions within the sub-region and they are ready to serve their fellow human beings who were in conflict in their various areas anywhere and anytime when the need arises,” he said.

He pointed out that sometimes missions are the same but duties are different. “ You are there to represented your country as an ambassadors of the Gambia,” he told them.

Secy Sonko asserted that since 1994 many officers benefited from peacekeeping missions and the departing officers should remember that they have families back home. “ Let them also accept the commands of their commanders during their tour of duties”, he advised. He urged the officers not take any unnecessary risk.

Speaking earlier on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ensa Badjie, said that his office has witnessed a significant increase in the number of personnel of The Gambia Police Force serving in many peace keeping missions throughout the world.

He said that is very difficult to serve in some of the missions but that he is very proud to mention that Gambian peacekeepers have always been exceptionally outstanding in all countries that they are deployed to. “ The evaluation and feedback we normally receive from all these missions are very pleasant and encouraging,’’ he said.