The Minister of Defence, Honorable Sheikh Omar Faye, was recently at the National Assembly of The Gambia to give update and answer questions around national security and international security agreements.
Responding to the issue of the joint security agreement between the Republics of the Gambia and Senegal regarding ‘Hot Pursuit Pact’, the Honorable Minister affirmed that such an agreement between the two nations exist, and that it is meant to provide security to the Gambian people; help in the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes.
He stressed that the agreement is mutually beneficial, and not in any way an attempt to surrender the sovereignty of Gambia. “It will safeguard our independence as a sovereign nation”.
Further explaining the ‘Hot Pursuit Pact’, Minister Faye said the pact is built on a strong foundation, but with conditions and limitations. However, he noted that the Pact is yet to be operationalised at national level.
Moreover, reacting to the suggestion to relocate the Brikama Jamisa firing range, Minister Faye pointed out that it depends on the findings and suggestions of the British experts, who are currently on a feasibility study on numerous areas for possible relocation.
The Defence minister also shed light on the many other signed agreements during the Senegalo-Gambian presidential council held in Dakar on 11th March, 2020.