By: Nicholas Bass
The Councillor for Gunjur Ward cum the Secretary of the Conflict Resolution Committee of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Momodou Charreh Gibba, has counselled politicians to steer clear of issues, relating to the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).
Councillor Gibba admonished politicians to refrain from commenting GAF matters in a way that could be inimical to the country’s democracy.
In a statement released following GAF’s rebuttal of Essa Faal’s comments on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on Monday that security is going to be a huge problem as, according to Faal, The Gambia’s security forces are kept in limbo, regarding the much-touted security sector reform.
However, Faal’s comments were viewed by GAF as disrespectful and a painting of the security forces as incompetent or untrustworthy to entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country and the protection of lives and property.
“I am writing as a concerned citizen to express my apprehension regarding the recent press release issued by the Gambia Armed Forces, cautioning political leaders against commenting on military affairs,” councillor Gibba stated.
He acknowledged the importance of maintaining the apolitical nature of GAF, but added that the approach made by GAF through its press release, dated 6 May 2025, ”inadvertently undermine democratic principles”.
”In democratic society, institutions, including the military are subject to public scrutiny and discourse,” he said, adding that, political leaders as representatives of the people, do not only have the right to such, but also bear the responsibility to discuss and critique public institutions in ensuring transparency and accountability. The Gunjur ward councillor maintained that restricting such discourse could be perceived as limiting freedom of expression, a cornerstone of democracy. He stated that open dialogue between civilian leadership and the military is essential in fostering mutual understanding and trust, noting that such constructive criticism will improve GAF.
Gibba further advised that GAF should demonstrate its commitment to national duty through professionalism and streamline its communications strategy within the ambit of democracy. He called on the military to revise its communication strategy by encouraging open and respectful dialogue with political leaders and the public.
”Such an approach would reinforce the military’s dedication in serving the nation while upholding the democratic ideals we all cherish,” Gibba asserted.
