Batch 12 of Peacekeepers to Sudan Leaves as Batch 11 Arrives

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Daily Observer

19 May 2011

editorial

The existence of peace is more than mere absence of war, hunger and other numerous human and natural disasters in the world. Peace has to begin right in our hearts and roll down to the community, national and global level. Blessed are the peacemakers and they shall be heirs of the world. The Gambia, under the visionary and dynamic leadership of President Jammeh has placed strong emphasis on the need to have peace, progress and prosperity in the country, Africa and the world at large. Such was and continues to be the rationale behind Gambian men and women serving in peacekeeping missions in different countries in the world.

As the last batch of GAMCOY 12 leaves The Gambia for the troubled Sudanese region of Darfur to replace GAMCOY 11 that recently returned home safely, we wish to assure them that our hearts are with them and pray for their safe stay in the next six months and return to rejoin their beloved families and loved ones. It is indeed a pride and noteworthy that Gambian men and women have been keeping the peace in Darfur from 2004 to date, precisely seven years; which is a very good record in the history of the country’s contributions towards restoration of peace and stability abroad.

In the same vein we also wish to commend GAMCOY 11 troops for their selfless service whilst away on the peacekeeping mission and as well welcome them back home. The fact that the country received no complaint about their conduct while fulfilling their international mandate shows that they have as their predecessors did, lifted the Gambian flag high and served as good ambassadors of the country during their stay in Darfur. Our troops always operate with the highest sense of discipline, commitment and integrity coupled with the striking desire to restore peace to the people of their host countries. In fact, it is due to these exceptional qualities, display of professionalism and exhibition of gallantry that Gambian peacekeepers are rated high by international and regional organisations.

Suffice to say, our security personnel have been raising the Gambian flag high from the inception of peacekeeping operations. They have made us proud despite our size and population. As GAMCOY 12 prepares to settle down in Darfur, we are optimistic that they would continue to maintain the momentum and legacy left behind by Gambian peacekeepers who have served in that region and other parts of the world.

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