Alhagie Bubacarr Gaye, reportedly a deserter from the Gambia Armed Forces, has leveled accusations against the military’s high command, alleging their involvement in corruption, incompetence, and nepotism.
Military sources report that Officer Gaye, a graduate of the United States Naval College, has deserted the military and is now residing in the United States.
In a letter written by the young officer and seen by TAT, he criticized the army leadership for being incompetent and corrupt. He called for urgent reforms within the military.
Gaye shed light on the institution’s deep-seated problems. “The truth is hard to accept,” says the officer, “but someone must speak up for justice, even when it is dangerous to do so.”
In reaction to the letter, the spokesperson of the Gambia Armed Forces, Colonel Lamin K Sanyang, told The Alkamba Times the officer had the opportunity to report any complaint to the army inspector general.
“We have an internal policy, so let him come out and speak to his commander or even the inspector General of GAF.”
The letter, penned by a young officer who has served in the GAF since 2018, calls for urgent reforms to address inefficiencies that have left personnel demoralized and disheartened. “I often ask myself why I am in the Armed Forces and whether I am truly serving my country,” the officer writes, describing an environment where merit is overlooked and accountability is rare.
The officer reveals that Corruption has become a way of life within the ranks, with those in power prioritizing personal gain over service.
The letter claims that military resources, such as fuel and allowances, are misused and that nepotism is pervasive. “There are officers who receive promotions and training opportunities simply because of their connections, while others who work diligently are left behind,” the letter states.
The officer also recounts instances where allowances owed to junior officers have gone unpaid for years while senior officers’ payments are promptly processed. “I have waited since 2018 to receive allowances amounting to over a million Dalasis,” the officer laments. “It is now 2024, and I am still owed a significant amount.”
“There is a widespread fear of retaliation for speaking out,” He explains. “We discuss these issues amongst ourselves, but when it comes to taking action, most are too afraid.” This fear, coupled with a lack of support for those who speak up, has created a culture of silence where misconduct goes unchecked.
The officer’s letter also points to systemic abuses of power, citing an example where an officer was decorated in a promotion ceremony by his wife, an enlisted soldier, in clear violation of service rules. “This happened in the presence of senior officers, yet no action was taken,” the letter states. Such incidents have fostered a sense of resignation among personnel, who feel that those at the top are immune to accountability.
A young officer stationed in Banjul voiced frustration over the discriminatory practices within the GAF. “There is no clear standard for promotions,” he notes. “I know of colleagues who have been denied promotion simply because they were sent on official training and missed promotional exams.” He goes on to highlight the inconsistent application of rules, adding, “If you are connected, exceptions are made. But for the rest of us, the rules are rigidly enforced.”
The letter’s author also raises the issue of senior officers engaging in private businesses in contravention of military regulations. “It is common knowledge that some officers own businesses, including football teams and taxi services,” the officer writes. “How can we be sure our resources are properly managed when there are such blatant conflicts of interest?”
The officer concludes with a plea for leadership to take responsibility and restore integrity within the GAF. “We need leaders who are willing to fight for the interests of the people they serve and who are not afraid to hold themselves accountable,” the letter reads. “Without reform, we will continue to lose dedicated personnel who are frustrated by the injustices they face.”
