By Lamin Kujabi
The President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces recently conferred on Major Abdoulaye Camara the Insignia of the Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia for his outstanding role serving The Gambia as detachment commander of ECOMIG at the State House and Principal Protection Officer to President Barrow since 2017.
During the State House ceremony for his Principal Protection Officer, President Adama expressed admiration for Major Camara, who he said had served him and The Gambia with honour and tact. He said it was a difficult moment for him to bid him farewell, reflecting on their first encounter during the political impasse.
“My heart is heavy today. Major Camara is like a son to me, and what he did for The Gambia will never be forgotten. I and my family will dearly miss him,” President Barrow said.
The President went on to say that the good that one does always manifests itself. He encouraged and prayed for Major Camara to excel in his future endeavours.
On receiving the accolade, Major Abdoulaye Camara thanked the team working at the presidency and hailed the President as a good leader. “ The Gambia is very lucky to have such kind of a President. I pray for Allah’s blessings, guidance and protection to the President and his family”.
He went: “I want to thank all State House personnel – armed forces and the police, and the civilians. I ask for your forgiveness because is the nature of the work”.
By the citation read by Secretary to Cabinet Alieu Njie, ‘Major Camara had selflessly served The Gambia and promoted harmony between the ECOMIG contingent and The Gambia security service. He also demonstrated a high level of professionalism, led by example, and instilled service values in his team with the highest standard of integrity and respect’.
The awarding ceremony was attended by Ambassador Basiru Saine of Senegal to The Gambia; ECOWAS Representative in The Gambia; ECOMIG Commander in The Gambia; National Security Adviser; Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service; Secretary to Cabinet; Colonel Mam Sait, State House Commander; and other senior government officials.