The Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, last Friday bade farewell to Gamcoy 8, a contingent of peacekeeping troops of The Gambia Armed Forces.

The men and women, numbering 196, form the 8th batch of Gambian troops to take part in peacekeeping missions in the troubled Sudanese region of Darfur. The colourful farewell parade, held at the July 22 Square in Banjul, was attended by the vice president and secretary of state for Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie Saidy; the speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay; secretaries of state; service chiefs; National Assembly members; a cross section of the diplomatic community; as well as family members and friends of the men and women who are set to embark on what many describe as a "national mission."

Under the command and guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Ousman Badjie, the contingent, which includes seven officers and three female soldiers, will replace Gamcoy 7, which was sent to the  war-torn region six months ago. These gallant men and women, who took the oath to fulfill the duties and objectives of the mission from their commander-in-chief, President Jammeh, are expected to leave The Gambia for Darfur on Wednesday, 11th February 2009.

Bidding them farewell, President Jammeh reminded the troops that their role, among other things, is to contribute towards ensuring peace and stability in the region, and to protect the lives and properties of the citizens in the said region. Known for his strong faith in the supremacy of the Almighty Allah, the president reminded the men and women that as they leave for a noble cause of maintaining peace and salvaging humanity from political uncertainties, it is worth noting that it is only God who can protect and guide them during the course of their mission.

He added that a peacekeeping mission is a noble duty, saying that the human beings must always stand by and defend each other. Recent reports, President Jammeh went on, have clearly indicated that The Gambia has never engaged in  malpractice in any peacekeeping mission. He thus challenged Gamcoy 8 not to stain the record. He called on them to distance themselves completely from unprofessional acts that will tarnish the good image of the country. "You are ambassadors of the country to Darfur.

The Gambia will be seen through your behaviours during the peacekeeping mission," he said, and warned "we will never tolerate certain things in peacekeeping operations such as rape, stealing, drug trafficking, and immoral acts towards women refugees." He hailed all those who had taken part in previous peacekeeping missions for their part in creating a good image of the country in international peacekeeping missions. He expressed hope that Gamcoy 8 will emulate them.

Cognisant of the fact that peacekeeping missions are full of challenges, President Jammeh advised the troops to exercise patience during the course of their mission and to focus on fulfilling their duties and objectives. Further urging the gallant men and women to minimise their expenditure during their stay of duty, Professor Jammeh reiterated that the country is known for its peaceful human resource base and honesty, and again called on Gamcoy 8 to serve as worthy ambassadors in Sudan.

He then used the opportunity to thank “genuine friends” of The Gambia for their support in enhancing the professionalism of The Gambia Armed Forces. Speaking earlier, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, chief of defence staff (CDS) of The Gambia Armed Forces, informed the gathering that the Darfur mission commenced four years ago. He disclosed that The Gambia Armed Forces has so far committed more than 200 troops outside the country as peacekeepers and observers in various missions of the United Nations and African Union.

CDS Tamba spoke about the achievements recorded, pointing out that they have contributed immensely in various capacities to the restoration of peace and political normalcy in various African countries. These efforts, he added, represent a huge contribution to peace operations within and outside the region by "a country and Armed Forces of our size."

He said: "It is my strong conviction, therefore, that with the desire of the Gambian leadership to continue to commit troops to the effort of restoring peace in Darfur, we shall sooner or later realise normalcy in this troubled region whose people are currently engulfed by a lot of political uncertainties."

The continued participation of Gambian troops in peacekeeping missions, according to CDS Tamba, is a clear testimony of their commitment to complementing the government’s efforts in the search for regional and global peace. Major General Tamba advised the departing troops to work and operate as a united group. He reminded them of the Gambia Armed Forces’ culture of "esprit de corps". Joining The Gambian leader in urging the troops to serve as role models for others, CDS Tamba warned that actions that do not support the attainment of the mission’s objectives will not be tolerated.

Commending Professor Jammeh for his unwavering commitment to the cause of the Gambia Armed Forces, Major General Tamba also extended thanks to friends of the forces for their technical support.