The Gambia and Senegal armed forces Tuesday held a security meeting in Banjul to help strengthen security and peace at the borders of the two countries.

The two forces signed the security agreement last year in the Senegalese town of Ziguinchor to strengthen cross-border security between the nations. The joint military defence group is tasked to conduct a joint patrol to ensure peace and order on the borders.

Speaking at the meeting, Serign Modou Njie, Gambian minister of defence expressed delight about the works of the committee and also reaffirmed the governments commitment to promoting the peace and stability in the two countries.

“At bilateral level, The Gambia and Senegal continue to enjoy close and cordial relationships as development partners. The relationship has developed into a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values and in peace convergence of bilateral, democratic, and regional and also on global issues,” he said.

Basiru Saine, Senegalese deputy ambassador to the Gambia also echoed similar remarks while commending the political will of the leadership of the two governments.

Speaking on the military side, Gambian deputy army chief, Major General Ousman Gomez said: “The main aim of the committee was to plan, coordinate and assess all security challenges affecting both Senegal and The Gambia among the common maritime and land borders in order to maintain peace and stability. The meeting in Ziguinchor was to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two armed forces and also to agree on an operational strategist to address security challenges along our common borders.”

For his counterpart, Major General Serign Ndour of Senegalese armed forces added: “the security meeting is on the right despite some difficulties. However, despite the progress we have made, still there are difficulties we are faced with along the way. 

“There is no way that we can discourage this progress so far since we have volunteered. There is no way we will have to hold back. I would like to add our own activities and all hands on deck to go ahead with partnership with peace and security within these two countries.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba