Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, vice president and minister for Women's Affairs, yesterday, on behalf of the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, bade farewell to Gamcoy 9, the military contigent that is set to replace Gamcoy 8 in Darfur, Sudan.

The farewell ceremony was held at the 22nd July Square in Banjul. Addressing the contingent, Vice President Njie-Saidy expressed delight at participating in this traditional ceremony. VP Njie-Saidy reiterated the government's resolve to commit greater efforts towards the maintenance of regional peace and security, adding that the deployment of Gamcoy 9 is a testimony of this commitment. "Your presence in Darfur, alongside your counterparts from other African countries will be of great significance, as it will give hope to people who have been deprived of their right to live normal lives, by ensuring their security and freedom of movement," VP Njie-Saidy told the contingent.

"In this regard, and like your predecessors, you have prepared well in readiness to undertake this noble task in a country a long way from home, and in a physical and social environment different from the one you know and are familiar with," she added. "Not withstanding this, your adherence to the principles and values that bond you as one contingent will undoubtedly be the force that would drive you towards achieving your mission objectives, reinforced by the skills and knowledge you have acquired during your pre-deployment training," she remarked.

"For this reason, my government and all the people of this great country have confidence in your capabilities while undertaking this humanitarian and peace support mission," VP Njie-Saidy added. She thanked the relatives, friends and loved ones of the Gambia Armed Forces, who had joined them to bid farewell to the contingent. She prayed that the Almighty Allah guide and protect the contingent and wished them a safe departure.

Speaking earlier, Lieutenant General Lang Tombong Tamba, chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces, said the Gamcoy 9 contingent, led by Col. Serign Modou Njie, comprises 196 soldiers, of whom 10 are female soldiers. CDS Tamba used the opportunity to express gratitude to President Jammeh, for his untiring commitment and dedication to the armed forces over the past 15 years and for allowing GAF to participate in peacekeeping missions. He described the mission as a humanitarian one and also one of the most difficult peacekeeping missions.

According to him, GAF will do all what it can to ensure that there is peace in Darfur. CDS Tamba expressed optimism that the young officers will excel in Darfur and urged them to be role models for other contingents.