By Kebba AF Touray
The Parliament of the Republic of the Gambia on Monday, 17th September 2024, confirmed the replacement of members of the Armed Forces Council.
The Motion to approve the said replacements was tabled by the Defense Minister, Sering Modou Njie. It sought to replace Retired Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulie Conteh with Retired Rear Admiral Sarjo Fofanna, and Yusupha B Dibba to be replaced by Dr. Cherno Omar Barry.
Tabling the motion, Minister Njie told the assembly that in pursuance of the 1997 constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, under section 189, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, has granted approval for the replacement of the said members of the Armed Forces Council.
Drawing the attention of the members to the provision of the 1997 Constitution, section 189 (1), he said “There shall be an Armed Forces Council which shall consist of; the Vice President as Chairman, the Secretary of State responsible for Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Commanders of the Service (i.e Army, Navy and Air Force), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense; and two other persons appointed by the President subjected to confirmation by the National Assembly”.
“Accordingly, in pursuant of section189 sub section (1 G) I am instructed to submit for consideration and confirmation of Retired Rear Admiral Sarjo Fofana and Dr. Cherno Omar Barry as members of the Armed Forces Council,” he moved.
The Assembly Members during the debate supported the motion and confirmed the replacements, saying among other things that the duo have personalities in their respective domains, and have served the Gambia judiciously.
The National Assembly approved the replacements of of Retired Rear Admiral Sarjo Fofana and Dr. Cherno Omar Barry as members of the Armed Forces Council.
