The Gambian army is expecting to receive some logistical support from the Turkish government later this year, country’s army chief General Masanneh Kinteh has said.
Turkey and Gambia has a longstanding cooperation in the area of security and over 7000 Gambian military men have so far been trained in Turkey.
Kinteh was speaking to journalists following a meeting with the Turkish ambassador Ismail Sefa Yuceer and Murat Oral, the regional director of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency on Thursday in Banjul.
Gambian army is undergoing reforms following decades of military dictatorship that has seen the institution politicized.
Because of their proximity to the former president Yahya Jammeh who is accused of several human rights abuses, there has been public distrust in the army, a trend the army is trying to correct.
The Turkish diplomat visited the defense headquarters to donate sixty pieces of flags to Gambian military at the country’s defense headquarters in Banjul.
Meanwhile, TIKA has also donated a number of office equipment to Gambia’s superior court to help the country’s top court in the judicious execution of its mandate.
The donated items were computers, printers, photocopiers and projectors, among others.
The items were handed over to president of Gambia’s Supreme Court and Chief Justice Hassan Jallow by Turkish ambassador Ismail Sefa Yuceer.
“Gambia is a country that is transitioning to democracy and in a democracy, better justice delivery is of special importance,” Yuceer said as he handed the equipment to Jallow.
Turkey has also donated similar items to country’s justice ministry few months ago.
“We have been struggling to ensure the efficient running of the Supreme Court and this equipment will be of huge help,” Jallow said.
Murat oral, The TIKA regional director who has brought the support, was present at the handing over in Banjul.
By Mustapha K Darboe
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