Africa-Press – Gambia. Reference to your article dated February 24 2017 and a book titled “how we built the Gambia national army” I wish to commend the author for the production of the book and for their (British Army Training Team. BATT) service to the Gambia.
Formation of the Gambia Army
Recently I was privileged to acquire the said book and after reading through it and reflecting on the formation of the GNA, I’ve observed that the author is claiming that they built the army, but to my understanding of the formation of the Gambia national army:
It was not built for the protection of the president as claimed by the author but for the defense of the nation.
The officer the author referred to as RSM Jeng was recruited into the army and trained by George Fringpongn and Ndaw Njie.
Jeng was never part of the police force or defense forces as claimed by the author.
Household names such as sergeant major Allen, Rob John, major Wright and others are seemingly not mentioned
Cadet officers: Ablie conteh, Fabakary ceesay, Baboucarr Jatta, among others, were selected and promoted before the arrival of BATT.
Most of the above cadet officers were not of the same tribe with the then president.
And also, Pa Gaye, Maba jobe, Davies, Dr Njie and others were earlier selected and promoted before the arrival of BATT. And are not of the same tribe with the then president.
I stand to be corrected, hence there are people who are more informed.
Gambians need to write our own history
Going through the book and understanding the importance of our history, I wish to strongly suggest that you contact the following for facts regarding the formation of the Gambia National Army:
Retired col. Ndaw Njie, Former CDS BABOUCARR Jatta, Former KMC Mayor Ablie Conteh.
We continue to be grateful and respect the author and the entire team BATT for their immense contributions in the formation of the army.
May Allah continue to bless them and their families. Amen Allah.
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