The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, who also doubles as the commander-in-chief of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), yesterday, announced the promotion of many senior army officers, ranging from the ranks of staff sergeant to lieutenant general.

President Jammeh made this announcement as part of a ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the university village at Faraba Banta, Kombo East.  "You can play hide and seek game with Yahya Jammeh, but you cannot fool Allah. So nobody can fool me. You have to work hard. This is not the end of the announcement for promotions. We still have more promotions to make," President Jammeh remarked, as he congratulated the promoted officers.

And he added that the promotions are based on performance and not tribe, seniority or religion. Professor Jammeh reminded the gathering that he will surprise Gambians with a new thing in every major celebration that the country is witnessing, counting this recent promotion as one of the surprise packages.

The promoted officers include Staff Sergeant Momodou Jallow, who has been promoted to the rank of Captain, whilst Captain Bora Colley, Captain Badjie, Captain Amadou Joof, Captain Ensa Tamba, Lieutenant Arafang, Captain Alhagie Sanneh and Captain Njagga Sanneh, were all promoted to the rank of major.

Major Arthur Gomez, Major Yero Jallow, Major Ismaila Sanyang, Major Kawsu Camara, Major Hina Sambou, Major Mariama Sonko, Captain Arabiatou Badjie, Major Mam Matarr Secka, Major Ma Lamin Jarjue, Major Alhagie Martin and Major Umpa Mendy were all promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Lieutenant Colonel Madani Senghore, Lieutenant Colonel Momodou Sowe, Lieutenant Colonel Lamin Bojang, Lieutenant Colonel Gibriel Bojang, Lieutenant Colonel Serign Modou Njie, and Major Rabiatou BK Sanneh were all promoted to the rank of Colonel, whilst Lieutenant Colonel Sillah Kujabi, Lieutenant Colonel Sarjo Fofana, Major Saikou Seckan, Lieutenant Colonel Ousman Badjie, Lieutenant Colonel Omar Bun Mbaye, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrima Bah and Lieutenant Colonel Yakuba Drammeh, were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

The climax of the promotion was at the ranks of the senior army officers, with Colonel Masanneh Kinteh, deputy Chief of Defence Staff, promoted to Major General and Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff, promoted to Lieutenant General.