By: Isatou Sarr
Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham has resigned as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces with immediate effect following allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
President Adama Barrow accepted the resignation and appointed Major General Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff.
Major General Gomez previously served as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff at Army Headquarters in Banjul.
In a resignation letter dated 29 May 2026 and addressed to President Barrow, Lt. Gen. Cham said the allegations against him were inconsistent with the standards required of the office of Chief of Defence Staff.
He stated that he had decided to step down in the interest of the institution and to allow due process to take its course.
Cham also expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the confidence placed in him during his tenure and described his service as the ninth Chief of Defence Staff as an honour.
He further indicated his readiness to cooperate with any investigation that may be instituted into the allegations.
The Presidency said the appointment of Major General Gomez was made under Section 190 of the Constitution to ensure continuity in the leadership of the Gambia Armed Forces.
The new Acting CDS is expected to oversee the affairs of the military while further steps are taken regarding the circumstances surrounding Cham’s resignation.