By: Haddy Touray
The Austrian government has pledged its support for The Gambia’s military reform agenda following high-level talks between Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie and Dr. Arnold Kammel, Austria’s Minister and Secretary General of Defence.
At the Austrian Ministry of Defence headquarters in Vienna, the meeting focused on strengthening defences cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on training, capacity building, and support through the European Union Peace Facility (EPF).
Dr. Kammel confirmed Austria’s acceptance of a Gambian request for scholarship slots for members of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) noting that diplomatic and technical processes will soon follow to facilitate the initiative. He further assured Austria’s continued advocacy on behalf of The Gambia at international platforms to attract additional defences and security funding.
Other areas of cooperation discussed included peacekeeping readiness, housing for GAF personnel, and advanced military training at Austrian institutions such as the Defence Academy and National Defence University.
Deputy Speaker Njie highlighted The Gambia’s commitment to reforming and professionalizing its armed forces and emphasized the role of the National Assembly in ensuring democratic oversight of the country’s security sector. He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s interest in accessing the EPF grant a vital EU tool that supports partner countries in peace operations, crisis response, and military development.
Austria’s Head of Defence Policy and International Relations officer, Major General Mag. Ronald Vartok, commended The Gambia’s proactive engagement and assured the readiness of the Austrian Armed Forces to collaborate,
The meeting was attended by senior Austrian defences officials, Major General Günther Barnet and Colonel Ortwin Gammer. Deputy Speaker Njie was accompanied by Mr. Sainey Konteh, Director of the Table Office, and Gambian Consul H.E. Kronsteiner.
