Barrow appoints Ousman Gomez as Gambia’s new defence chief
By Ebrima Fadera
Edited by Mutiu Olawuyi
President Adama Barrow has appointed Maj. Gen. Ousman Gomez as the new chief of defence staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, according to a press dispatch issued Sunday, June 29, 2026, by the Office of the Gambia Government Spokesperson.
The appointment takes effect immediately and comes as part of a wider reshuffle and promotion of senior military officers within the country’s defence structure.
According to the dispatch, Barrow acted under the powers vested in him by Section 190, Subsection 1A of the 1997 Constitution.
Gomez, who had been serving as acting chief of defence staff, now formally assumes leadership of the Gambia Armed Forces at a time when institutional discipline, military professionalism and public confidence remain central to national security.
The announcement also named Brig. Gen. Sait Njie, formerly commander of the Gambia National Army, as the new deputy chief of defence staff.
Brig. Gen. Yaya Drammeh, who had been serving as commander of the Republican National Guards, has been appointed the new commander of the Gambia National Army.
The dispatch further announced that Col. Alhagie Sanneh, who had been serving as defence attaché at The Gambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, has been recalled and appointed commander of the Republican National Guards.
The changes mark a significant reorganization of the senior command structure of the armed forces. Such appointments are important not only for military administration, but also for the stability of command, coordination among units and the continued professional development of the country’s security institutions.
The Gambia’s armed forces remain a critical national institution, with responsibilities that include territorial defence, support for national security, protection of constitutional order and participation in regional and international peace and security efforts.
For citizens, leadership transitions within the military are important because security institutions must remain disciplined, accountable and loyal to the republic. A stable defence command helps reassure the public and strengthens confidence in the continuity of state authority.
The latest appointments also come after recent leadership adjustments within the armed forces, making the formal appointment of Gomez a key moment in consolidating the command chain.
The government did not provide further details on the reasons for the reshuffle, but the announcement signals President Barrow’s decision to reposition senior officers across major defence commands.
The press dispatch was signed by Ebrima G. Sankareh, the government spokesperson and presidential adviser on diaspora affairs.
For the new defence leadership, the task ahead will be to strengthen professionalism, maintain discipline, support national stability and ensure that the armed forces continue to serve the Gambian people under constitutional authority.
