Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Minister of Defence and other Cabinet Ministers Present, The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Mayoress of Banjul, Executive Coordinator Banjul Service Chiefs, Senior Officers, and Members of The Gambia Armed Forces, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Our Esteemed Defence Partners, Families and Loved Ones of the Graduating Class, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my honour and privilege to grace this momentous occasion as the Chief Guest of Honour. Happily, for all of us, this Passing Out Ceremony of Intake Thirty-nine (39) of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) highlights the successful completion a well-designed national training programme, leading to the beginning of a new career path for the pass-outs today. From a broader perspective, we are all witnessing another important chapter in our ongoing story of national renewal, sacrifice, and service to the Republic.

It is my pleasure, therefore, to convey warmest congratulations to the young men and women who have successfully completed twenty-two weeks of rigorous basic military training. Congratulations to all of you!

You have demonstrated the resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude required to transition from civilian life into the professional ranks of the GFA. Your journey, thus far, indicates commitment to the sovereignty and security of our dear nation, which you surely value more than yourselves.

Proudly consider the occasion not merely as a graduation ceremony but also a solemn recognition of your acceptance and admission to one of the noble ranks of Gambian patriots ready at all times to respond to the call for national duty. It denotes your willingness to defend our homeland, uphold our values, and stand ready to answer the call of service, wherever and whenever the need arises.

The call to military service is not only a professional path, but also a noble and honourable calling. It demands loyalty, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. You must remember, as well, that it calls for discipline in action, humility in leadership, and adhering to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. As you wear the uniform of our Armed Forces, never forget that you are defenders of our territorial integrity and guardians of the ideals upon which our Republic is anchored.

As we celebrate your achievement, we must also acknowledge the broader strategic context in which the GAF operates.

In this era, marked by complex security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, the role of a professional, alert, and accountable military has never been more critical. With this realisation, The Gambia Armed Forces must continue to evolve in response to emerging challenges, such as terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats, and climate-related disasters.

To this end, my government remains fully committed to transforming the GAF into a modern, professional, and well-resourced institution. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, training, logistics, equipment, and the welfare of the personnel. In accordance with our democratic values, our defence transformation agenda is rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for civilian oversight.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, we deeply value our partnerships with friendly nations and our international allies. Arising from this, I wish to express, on behalf of the Government and People of The Gambia, profound gratitude to our defence and security partners who continue to play a vital role in our capacity-building efforts.

Countries, such as Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritania, and Guinea Bissau have proven invaluable in fostering regional cooperation. Likewise, we are immensely grateful to the United Kingdom and the United States for their long-standing support in the areas of professional military education and strategic defence reform.

We also recognise the invaluable contributions of Türkiye, Pakistan, China, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and India, whose continued support in training, infrastructure, and equipment has enhanced the capabilities and professionalism of our Armed Forces. These partnerships remarkably continue to bolster our national defence capacity, while strengthening our collective ability to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

To turn to the importance of civil-military relations, I urge The Gambia Armed Forces to remain a symbol of unity and a pillar of democratic governance. Our troops have to act always in the service of the people, holding themselves accountable to civilian authority, and protective of the freedoms and rights of every Gambian citizen. As Commander-In-Chief, I urge you, the new members of this noble institution, to serve as ambassadors of peace, discipline, and national unity.

I commend your families for their patience, sacrifice, and enduring support. They have accompanied you through this journey, and their love and encouragement have contributed to making this event possible.

I extend special appreciation to the GFA leadership and staff. Their professionalism and dedication to duty, through the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff and his team, continue to influence the direction and future of our Armed Forces.

To conclude, I advise you, Intake Thirty-nine (39), to wear your uniform with honour, serve with humility, and lead with integrity. Always remember that your duty is to the Constitution, the people, and the Republic of The Gambia.

May the Almighty Allah guide and protect you in your service, and may He continue to bless The Gambia Armed Forces and grant our beloved nation lasting peace, unity, and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.