MOTION FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF GAMBIAN TROOPS (MOTORIZED COMPANY) TO THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AS PART OF ECOWAS STABILIZATION FORCE BY H.E. THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES

Honourable Speaker

1. I rise today to table a motion on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces to seek the approval of this esteemed Assembly for the deployment of Gambian troops (Motorized Company 150 troops) to the Republic of Sierra Leone as part the ECOWAS stabilization force. This deployment is intended to contribute to the ECOWAS joint operation aimed at restoring peace, security and stability in Sierra Leone, following a recent attempted military coup

2. Whereas acknowledging the security of the situation in Sierra Leone, and recognizing the importance of upholding democratic principles, stability, and regional peace, the President urgently requests the approval of this assembly for the deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone pursuant to section 188(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, 1997.

3. Recent events have revealed a security situation in Sierra Leone, culminating in the unconstitutional attempted seizure of power by the military. The Gambia, as an active member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), holds a deep commitment towards promoting regional peace, stability, and the protection of democratic values.

4. The ECOWAS joint operation, developed in response to the current situation in Sierra Leone, seeks to enhance peace and security and ensure the maintenance of peace and order in the country. This operational intervention requires the collective efforts of ECOWAS member states to provide military support.

5. By deploying our gallant Gambian troops, trained in peacekeeping operations and equipped with skills to restore order and protect the democratic aspirations of our fellow West African brothers and sisters, we can contribute to the restoration of stability and the protection of constitutional values in Sierra Leone.

6. The Gambian military has demonstrated its professionalism and commitment towards regional peacekeeping missions, as evidenced by our successful participation in previous ECOWAS and UN operations. This motion considers both the ability of our troops to carry out this mission and the importance of their engagement in regional efforts to restore constitutional order.

7. I would like to emphasize that the deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone will be conducted in strict accordance with the principles of international law, respect for human rights, and the protection of civilian populations

8. Our troops will act under the authority of ECOWAS, taking direction from its leadership and adhering to the overall operational objectives defined by the regional body.

9. In conclusion, I submit this motion for the approval of this August Assembly, urging the esteemed members to recognize the urgency and importance of the ECOWAS joint operation to maintain constitutional order in Sierra Leone.

I trust that the Gambia will once again demonstrate its unwavering commitment to regional stability, democracy, and the collective security of West Africa

Thank you, Honourable Speaker, for granting me this opportunity to present this motion before the National Assembly.

Honourable Speaker, I hereby move this motion