Gambia News : 196 Gambian soldiers embark on Darfur peace mission

Feb 13,2010 00:00 by lamin

A contingent of 196 Gambian soldiers, under the banner of African Union/United Nations hybrid force, departed Banjul Thursday at the start of a peace-keeping mission in the troubled Darfur region of Southern Sudan, according to reports reaching PANA.

The contingent, dubbed 'GAMCOY 10' is the 10th batch of Gambian soldiers who have so far embarked on a peace mission in Sudan.

Gambian Vice-President, Isatou Njie-Saidy, at a farewell ceremony held in Banjul, advised the soldiers to remain focused on the goals of their mission.

Njie-Saidy also urged the contingent to show high standard of discipline and keep the integrity shown by those of their colleagues who were there before them.

"As you depart, the whole Gambian people will join your families in prayers to wish you God's protection and guidance. On your part, you must take every precaution to protect yourselves from all ills, especially communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS," the Vice-President remarked.

She stressed that "The nation has confidence in your capabilities and self-esteem."

The farewell ceremony was attended by Gambia's top security chiefs, government officials as well as friends and family members of the soldiers.