Major General Ousman Bargie, deputy chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). A media dispatch from State House on Friday revealed that Major General Ousman Bargie replaces Lt. General Masanneh Kinteh, who has been deployed to the Foreign Service.

The release reads:

His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, president of The Gambia and commander-in-chief of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on Friday 6th May 2012 relieved Lt. Gen. Masanneh Kinteh, chief of Defence Staff of GAF, of his command responsibilities and discharged him from GAF with immediate effect.

A State House news release revealed that LT. Gen. Kinteh has now been deployed to the Foreign Service as a civilian while Major General Ousman Badjie, deputy chief of Defence Staff has been appointed as Chief of Defence Staff, the release concludes.

Who is Gen. Bargie?

Major General Ousman Bargie was born on the 15th November, 1967 in Sibanor , Foni Bintang Karanai of the West Coast Region. He did his primary school education in Sibanor from 1976-1982. Heproceeded to Nusrat High School where he sat to the General Certificate Examination (GCE O’Level).

He was enlisted into The Gambia National Army on the 4th of January 1987 and was commissioned to the rank of Second Lieutenant in November 1995. This marked the beginning of his achievements and regular promotions in the army.

He attended several military courses both local and overseas, prominent among these included Cadre courses, Instructional Cadre courses, Tactical Cadre courses, Weapon Training Course, Range Management Course, Infantry Officer course in Pakistan and Junior and Senior Staff courses in Nigeria. He also attended several civilian courses, workshops and seminars on wide range of issues relevant to his career.

Major General Bargie also served in various capacities and held several command and staff appointments. He served almost in all units of GAF, Among them were platoon commander, Company Commander, Commandant Gambia Armed Forces training School (GAFTS), Aid -De- Camp (ADC) to President Jammeh ,Commander State Guards, Commanding Officer Fajara Barracks, Contingent Commander to Darfur, director of Administration and Logistics of GAF, Chief of Army Staff, United Nations Peace Support Operations (PSO) in Sierra-Leone and Camp Commandant of UNAMID Force Headquarters, and a host of other command responsibilities that he has successfully accomplished.

The general is well decorated and among his decoration and awards are Good Conduct, Distinguished Service, Long Service, UNAMSIL, UNMIL and UNAMID medals respectively.