- With 23 years of militarism, The Gambia has finally got its first Brigadier General in the person of Lang Tombong Tamba. He serves as the current the Defence Chief of Staff.
Until his sudden promotion to the highest military rank in a country with few years of military experience, Mr Tamba was a Colonel.
Brigadier General is the lowest ranking General Officer in some countries, usually just above Colonel and just below Major General.
The rank traces its origin to the militaries of Europe where Brigadier General or Brigadier commands a brigade in the field. After its adoption by the United States in the 18th century, the rank spread throughout the world.
Brigadier General Tamba’s promotion was contained in a terse press release issued by the President’s Office. The Gambian leader also promoted Captain Musa Jammeh to the rank of Major. The Army Chief’s deputy, Colonel Peter Singhateh, has not been promoted.
The Gambian government is yet to justify the reasons for the move. It has left its critics murmuring, with some of them believing that the Gambian leader has taken the move to appease Mr Tamba, a fervent football lover, who has garnered massive support in the army.
Brigadier General Tamba is the 1st Vice President of Gambia Football Association.
Gambians have been mourning the deaths of the deputy Inspector General of Police, Ansuman Sanneh and a soldier of the President's Personal Protection team, Tumbul Tamba. Both men died after protracted illness.
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afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
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