Vice-President Njie-Saidy made these remarks on Saturday, during the opening of the military supporting activities at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

Walo is a sub-regional body that co-ordinates military sports in West Africa under the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OMSA), continental body that aims at fostering cooperation among African militaries.

Deputising for President Yahya Jammeh, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, Vice-President Njie-Saidy, described the football match as an indoor game, where a parent and a child play without a referee. She said in such a match, it’s expected that the game would be played under the spirit of parenthood-childhood atmosphere. “One thing we must bear in mind is that the greatest achievement in this WALO Banjul is winning friendship and cooperation and not winning titles”, she said.

She added that the gathering offers a unique opportunity to learn from each other and build a society of trust and mutual understanding in “our sub-region” in order to live and enjoy lasting tranquility and peace.

Reiterating that The Gambia advocates for a united Africa, the Vice-President said President Jammeh has been at the forefront in the struggle for unification of the continent. She urged WALO member states to remain committed to this struggle for peace, including supporting peace processes in their neighboring countries.

She disclosed that the political situation of any African country has a bearing on the other. She therefore, called on those aggrieved to burry the hatchet and come together to move the sub-region forward. She then assured The Gambia Government’s readiness in providing assistance to WALO, when and where it is required.

For his part, Colonel Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, welcomed representatives of participating countries to Banjul. Col Tamba described The Gambia as a peaceful and conducive country for the activities. “As we gather here today for yet another occasion of the hosting of the 34th West African Liason Office (WALO), the reason is to bring closer relationship between officers of the sub-region”, he noted.

Colonel Tamba commended President Jammeh and President Amadou Tumani Toure of Mali, for their major contributions in hosting the events.

The opening ceremony was marked by a march-pass by the participating countries, cultural groups, and the Scorpions Fans Club. WALO General Asembly will be holding 34th WALO General Assembly meting at the Joint Officers’ Mess. This will be followed by a wrestling contest at the Independence Statium at 4 pm today. On Tuesday there will be a second General Assembly session which will be followed by two football matches at Serrekunda East and West Mini Stadium and on Wednesday WALO executive will pay a courtesy call on Chief of Defence Staff, SoS for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs and His Excellency the President and Commander in Chief.