Gambian lawyer and presidential candidate Essa Faal has pledged to remove foreign forces currently guarding the presidency and replace them with Gambian soldiers if elected in the 2026 elections.

Foreign troops have been stationed at the presidency since 2017, following the departure of longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh. Mr Faal said the continued reliance on foreign protection undermines the role of the Gambian armed forces.

Speaking on Coffee Time, Faal described the national army as “the most loyal Gambians,” committed to protecting the country and its citizens.

“From day one, I will have Gambian forces around me. If Gambians deem me worthy of being elected president, I will trust them with my life. I will not run, cower, or hide behind foreign forces,” he said, dressed in a black suit.

Mr Faal, who previously served as lead counsel for the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, recently resigned from a post at the International Criminal Court to focus on domestic politics.

“I will not do that. If Gambians think I do not deserve to be there, then they should not elect me. And Gambians include members of the armed forces, who are deeply loyal to this country.

“I do not believe anyone can claim greater loyalty to this country than the members of the armed forces. They are the ones who choose to wear the uniform and carry the gun for one purpose: to protect our country, even if it means dying for it. So, I trust them, I love them, and I would be honoured to be their commander-in-chief,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba