Africa-Press – Gambia. The Islamic Military Counterterrorism Coalition (IMCTC), in partnership with the Government of The Gambia Wednesday launched a 15-day military counterterrorism training program.
The training program was designed to strengthen the operational capacity of the Gambian Armed Forces and enhance regional security cooperation.
The training, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, marks the beginning of an intensive capacity-building initiative under IMCTC’s strategic program “Kafaa.” It brings together field operations commanders, officers, and security experts for hands-on sessions in counterterrorism strategy, intelligence coordination, and crisis response.
In his keynote address, Defense Minister Baboucarr Ismaila Joof described the training as a “timely and vital investment” in The Gambia’s national security framework.
“No nation, regardless of size or resources, is immune to the dangers of terrorism,” Minister Joof said. “This partnership demonstrates our collective commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of our people.”
IMCTC Secretary-General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi commended The Gambia’s leadership and reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to supporting its member states through practical training and strategic cooperation.
“Terrorism today knows no borders — its impact is global, and so must be our response,” Al-Moghedi said. “Through initiatives like Kafaa, we aim to equip national forces with the knowledge and readiness to anticipate, prevent, and counter these threats before they escalate.”
He further stressed the coalition’s mission to promote joint learning and shared expertise across nations.
“Our approach at IMCTC is not just about military strength, but also unity of purpose and shared responsibility,” Al-Moghedi added. “When we train together, we build trust — and trust is the foundation of lasting peace and security.”
Officials say the training aligns with The Gambia’s broader security sector reform agenda and its commitment to professionalizing the armed forces. By the end of the program, participants are expected to return to their units better prepared to respond to complex security challenges within the Sahel and beyond.
The launch ceremony attracted senior defense officials, IMCTC representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps, all praising the initiative as a milestone in regional collaboration and a firm step toward collective resilience.
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