The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a strongly worded statement criticising what it described as “unfounded and irresponsible” public commentary regarding its conduct, professionalism, and role in the country’s democratic framework.

In a press release signed by Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, Director of Press and Public Relations, the GAF expressed concern over recent remarks made by retired military officer Samsudeen Sarr and politician Essa Mbaye Faal.

The armed forces accused both men of misrepresenting its activities and attempting to politicise the institution.

Mr Sarr, a former Commander of the Gambia National Army, had referred to a 2024 theft incident involving members of the Senegalese Gendarmerie, who were part of President Adama Barrow’s security detail under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).

He also questioned the presence of GAF infantry personnel at key security installations, including Denton Bridge in Banjul.

The GAF described his remarks as misleading and framed in a way that “seeks to misrepresent the professionalism, role, and apolitical nature” of the military.

Meanwhile, Mr Faal, a former TRRC lead counsel and presidential aspirant, recently alleged that the government was neglecting the armed forces.

The GAF labelled these claims as “baseless” and warned that such commentary could erode public trust in a key state institution undergoing reform.

“These actions appear calculated to use the name of the Armed Forces to score political points and gain cheap popularity,” the statement read.

“Such utterances are unethical, unpatriotic, and unbecoming of any responsible citizen.”

The armed forces further affirmed its commitment to democratic governance and the Security Sector Reform (SSR) agenda.

It emphasised that it remains subordinate to civilian authority and operates under the framework of the Gambian Constitution.

The statement also called on political actors, media outlets, notably West Coast Radio, and public commentators to exercise restraint and avoid drawing the military into political debates.

“The GAF will not sit idly by while its name and mandate are used as tools for political manipulation,” it added, warning that such rhetoric could undermine national unity and security.

Colonel Sanyang concluded by reaffirming the GAF’s commitment to peace, security, and national development, and urged Gambians both at home and abroad to support the institution’s transformation into a modern and democratically accountable force.

By Adama Makasuba