VP Jallow Chairs Armed Forces Council Meeting Amid Growing Scrutiny Over Security Sector Reforms

By CTV Africa

Vice President Mohammed B. S. Jallow on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Armed Forces Council at the State House in Banjul, as authorities continue to face growing public interest over the direction of security sector reforms and the role of the military in The Gambia’s democratic transition.

According to an official statement, the meeting brought together senior stakeholders to deliberate on issues relating to national security, institutional strengthening, and the development of the country’s armed forces in maintaining peace, stability and national development.

Government said the session reflected its commitment to promoting “professionalism, discipline and strategic coordination” within the security sector to safeguard national unity and protect the sovereignty of the country.

However, the meeting comes at a time when questions continue to emerge over the pace of security sector reform in The Gambia, nearly a decade after the end of former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule. Civil society groups and governance advocates have repeatedly called for greater transparency, accountability and modernization within the country’s security institutions.

Reaching out to some analysts, say, while the government has consistently pledged reforms in the military and wider security apparatus, concerns remain over implementation gaps, institutional independence, and long-promised restructuring efforts.

The Armed Forces Council, a key constitutional body overseeing matters relating to the military, plays a significant role in shaping defence policy, promotions and broader strategic decisions affecting the country’s armed forces.

Sources close to CTV Africa argue that meetings of such national importance should be accompanied by clearer public communication on key resolutions and policy directions, especially on issues linked to national security, military welfare and democratic oversight.

The government has yet to publicly disclose detailed outcomes or decisions reached during the council meeting at State House in Banjul.