Colonel Aliyu Tine Takes Over Office As New ECOMIG Force Commander In The Gambia.
By Ferdinand Olise
The newly appointed Force Commander of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG), Colonel Aliou Tine, has pledged his commitment to regional security, and supporting peaceful elections in close collaboration with Gambian authorities, and Armed Forces.
According to a statement in today by the ECOWAS Commission Abuja, Colonel Tine made this pledge at a handing-and-taking-over ceremony at the ECOMIG Headquarters in Bakau, marking the official transfer of command from the out-going Force Commander, Colonel Ndiagne Diouf.
The solemn ceremony was highlighted by the symbolic exchange of the ECOMIG Command flag, signifying the transfer of authority and responsibility between the two senior officers.
In his acceptance remarks, Colonel Tine described his appointment as a great honour bestowed by ECOWAS, and the Government of The Gambia. He commended Colonel Diouf, and his team for their achievements, and pledged to preserve and build upon the legacy they have established.
He also acknowledged the strategic importance of the forthcoming electoral period, reaffirming his commitment to supporting peaceful elections in close collaboration with Gambian authorities and Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Head of Mision, Miata Lily French, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to Colonel Diouf for his dedicated service to The Gambia, and the sub-region, noting that at a time when security challenges are increasing globally and regionally, ECOMIG’s role remains vital in ensuring stability and creating an environment conducive for economic growth.
According to Madam French, since its deployment in 2017, ECOMIG has played a central role in maintaining peace and supporting democratic governance in The Gambia, and assured Colonel Tine of full support from Mission Headquarters and Contingent Commanders to ensure a successful completion of the ECOMIG mandate.
The outgoing Force Commander, Colonel Ndiagne Diouf, reflected on his one-year tenure, expressing deep appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia, ECOWAS authorities, and Mission leadership for their unwavering support.
He highlighted key achievements of his Command which include medical assistance to over eight thousand people, the conduct of more than one hundred security missions, and over forty joint patrols with Gambian security forces.
The event brought together high-level dignitaries, including the Senegalese High Commissioner to The Gambia, the National Security Adviser, representatives of Chief of Defence Staff, Senior officers of the Gambia Armed Forces, Contingent Commanders, as well as Officers and Men of ECOMIG.
