By Tida Badjie
Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, has stressed the vital importance of continuous training and capacity building, insisting that the Army must remain prepared to defend and protect the country in a fast-changing world.
His remarks came during the closing ceremony of “Exercise Storm Keneba,” a week-long military exercise held in the village of Keneba, Kiang West District.
The exercise, which launched on December 20, 2025, pushed participating units through a series of demanding assignments designed to test their tactical proficiency, coordination, and overall combat readiness.
Soldiers demonstrated discipline and professionalism throughout the week, reinforcing the Armed Forces’ reputation for dedication to national duty and security.
Speaking on VIP Day, which marked the culmination of the training, Lieutenant General Cham, flanked by high-ranking Army delegates, described the exercise as a model for the kind of ongoing professional development required to address today’s evolving security challenges.
He noted that national defense is not only a matter of equipment or numbers, but also of the skill, adaptability, and cooperation within the ranks.
Cham pointed out that such exercises provide a crucial opportunity for soldiers to fine-tune their abilities, identify areas for growth, and strengthen the bonds that underpin the force’s effectiveness.
The event drew praise from both civilian and military dignitaries, who agreed that “Exercise Storm Keneba” had achieved its aims in preparing troops for the future.
Lieutenant General Cham reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that consistent, high-quality training remains a central pillar of the Gambia Armed Forces, enabling the institution to rise to any challenge and safeguard the nation’s security.
Watch Lt. General Cham’s Speech at the ‘VIP Event at the end of “Exercise Storm Keneba” and a pictorial of the exercise below:
