Gambia: Chief of Defence Staff resigns amid misconduct allegations

President Adama Barrow has accepted the resignation of the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat O. A. Cham, and appointed Major General Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff with immediate effect.

The announcement was made in a press release dated Friday, May 29, 2026, and signed by Ebrima G. Sankareh, The Gambia Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser.

According to the statement, Lieutenant General Cham submitted his resignation on Friday after what he described as numerous allegations of misconduct and abuse of office inconsistent with the position of Chief of Defence Staff.

In his resignation letter, General Cham thanked President Barrow for the confidence and respect shown to him, which led to his appointment as The Gambia’s ninth Chief of Defence Staff. He also assured the President of his availability to cooperate with any possible investigation into the allegations.

President Barrow accepted the resignation and, acting under the powers vested in him by Section 190 of the Constitution, appointed Major General Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff.

Until his appointment, Major General Gomez was serving as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff at Army Headquarters in Banjul.

The leadership change comes at a sensitive moment for The Gambia’s security sector, where public trust, institutional discipline, and constitutional accountability remain central to the country’s democratic stability.

Although the press release did not provide details of the allegations against General Cham, his resignation and stated willingness to cooperate with possible investigations may allow the matter to be handled through due process while reducing pressure on the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

The appointment of Major General Gomez is expected to provide continuity within the military command structure and prevent any leadership vacuum at the top of The Gambia Armed Forces.

The Office of the Chief of Defence Staff remains one of the most important positions in the country’s national security system. The holder of the office is expected to uphold professionalism, discipline, loyalty to the Constitution, and respect for civilian authority.

For The Gambia, the next steps will be important. Any investigation into the allegations should be handled transparently, fairly, and professionally, while protecting both public confidence and the rights of all individuals involved.

The development also places responsibility on the new acting CDS to reassure the armed forces, maintain discipline, and support stability within the institution.

As Major General Gomez assumes the role, the public will be watching for continuity, clarity, and renewed confidence in the leadership of The Gambia Armed Forces.

The resignation of Lieutenant General Cham closes a significant chapter in the country’s military leadership. How the government manages the transition and any related investigation will determine whether this moment strengthens accountability and professionalism within the defense sector.