Gambian President Adama Barrow presided over a farewell ceremony on Thursday for the Senegalese contingent of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), marking the completion of their two-year deployment at State House in Banjul.
President Barrow congratulated the battalion for having “successfully completed its two-year mission” and expressed deep appreciation to ECOWAS leaders for their continued support.
He also paid tribute to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his leadership and ongoing efforts to strengthen the historic ties between Senegal and The Gambia.
“The service performed by this contingent is now etched in the history of the country,” President Barrow said, highlighting the professionalism and dedication demonstrated throughout their mission. He encouraged the soldiers to carry forward their commitment upon returning to Senegal and wished them success in future assignments.
Captain Amacodou Faye, commander of the Senegalese battalion, expressed his gratitude to President Barrow and the Gambian government for their hospitality and support, describing The Gambia as a “welcoming home for the battalion.” As a gesture of recognition, the departing officers were presented with certificates personally awarded by the Gambian head of state.
The Senegalese unit’s deployment to State House was part of ECOMIG, a regional mission launched in January 2017 by ECOWAS to support The Gambia’s political and security transition following the post-election crisis. Over the years, ECOMIG has played a crucial role in stabilizing the country, providing security, and fostering cooperation between the Gambian authorities and regional partners.
The ceremony underscored the enduring friendship between Senegal and The Gambia and highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in ensuring peace and stability across West Africa. President Barrow’s recognition of the contingent reflects both gratitude for past service and the hope for continued cooperation in future regional initiatives.
About The Author
