A least five hundred and forty-two security officers of the Gambia Armed and Police Forces, last Saturday concluded a three-week intensive pre-deployment training to Darfur at the Fajara Barracks.

The training was conducted by the British Army Training (Team Royal Gibraltar Regiment) in collaboration with the Gambia Armed Forces. Addressing the graduands, the chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Drammeh, underscored the significance of the training. He said the pre-deployment training is basically designed to prepare the officers for peacekeeping missions, especially in Darfur.  

According to him, training is one of the most relevant aspects of any peacekeeping. He advised the graduands to maintain a high sense of commitment and responsibility. "When you work hard during peacekeeping missions, you save lives," Drammeh stressed, reiterating the importance of hard work. He promised that the Gambia Armed Forces will continue to support its members.  

He then saluted President Jammeh, the commander-in-chief of the Gambia Armed Forces and Major General Lang Tombong Tamba for their special support. John Perez of the British Royal Gibraltar Regiment, highlighted the commitment demonstrated by the Gambian security forces. He advised them not to forget their standards as security officers, noting that they should make sure that their country and families are proud of them. He thanked the Gambia Armed Forces for making the training a success.