The Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, has once again reiterated his commitment towards the fruitful ties existing between The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau with a pronouncement that The Gambia will never abandon its sister republic.

He described The Gambia's relationship with the former Portuguese colony as one that is based not on the politics of economics, but on blood relations. Professor Jammeh made this pronouncement last Friday, at State House, during a meeting with the new Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Captain Jose Zamora Induta, who is on a two-day working visit to the country. The Gambian leader noted that the two countries are one, and that they were only divided by colonial rulers.
 
"That was why during your war of liberation, Bissau-Guineans found it safer to be in The Gambia than anywhere else in the sub-region, apart from Guinea Conakry," he said. "As a demonstration of that oneness," the president added, "the sons of The Gambia found it fitting to join your liberation struggle and fought against the Portuguese."

President Jammeh went on to assure the people of Guinea-Bissau through CDS Zamora Induta that The Gambia under him "will stand by Guinea-Bissau without any pre-conditions."

Professor Jammeh assured CDS Zamora Induta that his country has no intention of getting involved in deciding who becomes ruler in their country, nor is it The Gambia's intention to colonise that country. The Gambia's interest in Guinea-Bissau, according to the president, is to see lasting peace and stability in that country, as well as a development-oriented government which will be sensitive to the welfare of its citizens. He called on members of the armed forces of Guinea Bissau to fully understand this, saying "decisions as to who becomes the authority in your country is the sovereign decision of yourselves."

And he went on: "We will never be a party to anything, any plan or program that would bring chaos, instability and insecurity in Guinea Bissau. Gambians are God-fearing people who are sincere in whatever they do."

The Gambian leader also had a piece of advice for the new CDS of Guinea Bissau, calling on him to be sensitive to the long-standing relationship between the two countries. He pointed out that there are certain countries that are envious of this cordial tie, but Gambians are not pretenders. Pretense itself, he said, is hypocrisy.

President Jammeh also noted that his government's efforts in trying to ensure lasting peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau are highly evident, citing the Guinea Bissau political consultative meeting he convened in The Gambia as a classical example. He called on CDS Zamora Induta to devote his tenure of office to ensuring that lasting peace and stability prevail in his country. "If the armed forces in Guinea-Bissau do not ensure peace and stability, there cannot be peace and stability. And without these, there is no way that your country can develop, no matter what resources you have,'' Professor Jammeh remarked, while also calling for discipline within the armed forces of the country.

The Gambian leader also dilated on the factors that hinder the peace and development efforts of Guinea Bissau, pointing to the persistent menace of drug trafficking as a threat. He noted that when drugs enter any country, law and order disappears, corruption becomes the order of the day, and as such peace and stability are at stake. Drug trafficking, the president added, destroys the future of a country.

"If you are interested in seeing peace, stability, and developments in Guinea-Bissau, for the benefits of its children, the armed forces should endeavour to fight drugs," Professor Jammeh said.

Perhaps The Gambia's experience in controlling drug trafficking could serve as a source of inspiration, the president indicated, noting that due to his policy of zero tolerance, The Gambia can boast of being a 95 per cent drug free state. Commending Captain Jose Zamora Induta for making his first official visit to The Gambia since his appointment as CDS, President Jammeh assured him of his government's unflinching support.

Speaking earlier, the vice president and secretary of state for Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, dwelt on President Jammeh's numerous efforts in ensuring lasting peace and stability in Guinea Bissau. Captain Jose Zamora himself acknowledged the bond between the two peoples. He agreed with President Jammeh's statement that the two countries are one, and that they were only divided by former colonial powers.

Captain Induta told the Gambian leader that he had chosen The Gambia for his first official visit because he sees it as a moral duty to do so. According to him, his visit was due to the fact that he shares the same views and opinions with the Gambian leader on the issue of ensuring peace and stability, as well as the fight against drug trafficking.

He assured the president of his resolve to improve the military ties that exist between the two countries.

According to the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, the two armed forces are ready to work closely together to see peace in their respective countries, and to fight against trans-border crime. He noted that they are ready to work together and share each others' experience in the interest of peace and stability.

While informing the Gambian leader that the two armed forces were set to sign a memorandum of understanding at the end of the two-day working visit of his counterpart, CDS Tamba commended Professor Jammeh for his continued support, assuring him of their continued loyalty.

At the end of the meeting, President Jammeh presented gifts to the Guinea Bissau army chief.