–CDS Tamba

At the end of a three-day civil-military seminar held at the Joint Officers mess on Thursday, the Chief of Defence staff, Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, has sent a stern warning that there will be zero tolerance any military harassment or intimidation of civilian members of our society. CDS Tamba further assured course participants and Gambians in general that it is in interest of the public that the military is here, while adding that the public should in turn give maximum support and respect to the military.

You should see them as your own brothers and sisters who should be accommodated at all times,” he advised.

CDS Tamba assured members of the public that no soldier willfully uses his weapons against any civilians at any checkpoint.

For the army chief, he hoped that the seminar would dispel certain suspicions, distrusts and misgivings that these two have for each other.

He also urged the participants to disseminate to others what they have learnt during the seminar.

Many people who spoke to this paper described CDS Tamba’s statement as re-assuring, while others referred to him as a gentleman par excellence, who is not only humble but also accommodating.

The seminar was sponsored by the United States Embassy in Banjul in collaboration with government of The Gambia.

The resource persons were Colonel (Rtd) Eugene Michael Mensah II and Dr Lawson, both from the United States.