By Alieu Ceesay
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), in collaboration with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), has launched a three-week intensive training program focused on counter-terrorism, specifically the disposal of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The initiative, which commenced on January 20, 2026, represents the second training under IMCTC’s strategic “Competence” (or “Kafaa”) military domain initiative in The Gambia. It targets specialists and technicians from counter-terrorism units, aiming to enhance their expertise in identifying, assessing risks, and safely disposing of explosive threats, including mines, projected ammunition, rockets, air-dropped weapons, and IEDs. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with practical scenarios, emphasizing military search planning, identification techniques, risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and controlled disposal methods.
This program underscores ongoing efforts to professionalize GAF personnel and bolster regional security amid evolving threats from terrorism and extremism. The Gambia, as an active IMCTC member, contributes significantly to international counter-terrorism endeavors through such partnerships.
Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the IMCTC, inaugurated the training and stressed the importance of collective action. “At IMCTC, we firmly believe that cooperation and solidarity among member states are the most effective means of confronting terrorism with efficiency and effectiveness,” he said. He highlighted the Coalition’s broader mission to coordinate global efforts to bolster intellectual and media capacities, disrupt terrorist financing, and strengthen military capabilities.
Al-Moghedi expressed optimism that these initiatives would enhance security, stability, and peace not only in The Gambia but across the region and beyond.
Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham, Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, described the event as more than routine training—it reflects shared responsibility in addressing the rising menace of terrorism. “Our engagement with the IMCTC reflects our firm belief that security challenges require collective solutions,” he stated. “Each engagement builds on the last and strengthens our national capacity to respond to contemporary security threats, both conventional and non-conventional.”
General Cham urged participants to approach the program with complete professionalism and commitment. “Apply what you are taught, and share your knowledge responsibly when you return to your units,” he instructed.
Both leaders extended deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia; His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; and Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the IMCTC Defense Ministers Council, for their ongoing oversight and support of the Coalition’s activities.
Cain Wellings, one of the course instructors, shared positive expectations for the program. “I trust this course will be successful for both the Gambian Army and the Islamic Military Counterterrorism Coalition,” he said. “I hope that all course participants will enjoy it and will walk away extremely happy with the professionalism of the delivery of this course.”
The training runs through early February 2026 and builds on prior IMCTC collaborations with The Gambia, including recent special forces field exercises under the same “Competence” framework. These efforts align with IMCTC’s wider strategy, encompassing multiple training programs across member states to foster joint readiness against terrorism.
