By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their defence partnership following high-level talks between senior military officials in Banjul.
The Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, Mamat O.A. Cham, met with Thomas A. Harper, the UK’s Head of Defence Staff for West Africa, during a visit aimed at strengthening long-standing military cooperation.
The discussions come at a time of heightened security challenges across the Sahel region and parts of the Middle East, developments that officials say have implications even for smaller states like The Gambia.
Both sides exchanged views on the evolving geopolitical landscape and explored ways to enhance the operational capacity of the Gambian military. Issues of training, logistics, and broader defence collaboration were also on the agenda.
General Cham praised the UK for its continued support in strengthening the Gambia Armed Forces, particularly in capacity building and equipment assistance.
In response, Brigadier General Harper commended the GAF’s recent progress, including the successful delivery of a military commissioning course.
During his visit, the UK official toured the naval command and inspected patrol boats donated by the British government. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Fajara War Cemetery.
The visit concluded with a reception hosted by the British High Commission, attended by Gambian officers who have trained in the UK, as well as alumni of British-funded programmes.
Officials said the engagement reflects a broader effort by both countries to maintain stability and strengthen security cooperation in a region facing growing uncertainty.
