ASSESSING THE GAMBIA ARMED FORCES CONTRIBUTION TO PEACEKEEPING FOR OPTIMAL NATIONAL BENEFITS

Since its establishment in 1945, the UN has recognised peacekeeping operations as essential for maintainina international peace and security. These operations involve deploying multinational forces to stabilise conflict areas, support ceasefires, and promote lasting peace. Over time, peacekeeping operations have evolved significantly: countries contribute forces not only to uphold global peace but also to gain geopolitical advantages. These advantages can include global recognition, increased economic returns, and enhanced military capabilities. Nations such as Bangladesh, India, Rwanda, and Ghana are among the most significant contributors to peacekeeping missions, reaping substantial financial incentives and geopolitical benefits. Similarly, the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has actively participated in global peacekeeping efforts under the auspices of the UN, AU, and ECOWAS for over 2 decades. This commitment highlights The Gambia's dedication to global stability, contributing to international reputation, economic growth, and the professional development of the military. Despite these achievements, The Gambia has not fully realised the potential benefits of peacekeeping. Challenges such as inadequate planning, logistical issues, and resource constraints have hindered the GAF from maximising its peacekeeping potential. If these issues remain unaddressed, The Gambia could continue to miss out on the significant advantages offered by peacekeeping operations. Therefore, this paper sought to propose strategies to enhance the GAF's contribution to peacekeeping, for greater national benefits.

 

The Gambia significantly benefits from peacekeeping operations in several ways, including economic gains, enhanced global recognition and reputation, and the professional development of its Armed Forces. Financial reimbursements from these peacekeeping missions support the GAF's defence budget, development projects, and operational needs, ultimately boosting national development. Additionally, personnel contribute 10% of their peacekeeping remuneration, which has allowed the GAF to purchase vehicles and equipment for operations. This practice has reduced the strain on the national budget and enabled the redirection of funds toward other national development projects. Furthermore, global recognition through peacekeeping enhances The Gambia's international reputation, showcasing its commitment to peace and fostering strategic partnerships. Participation in peacekeeping missions also provides GAF personnel with valuable operational experience and specialized training, enhancing their tactical, technical, and leadership skills.

Despite the numerous benefits, GAF still faces significant challenges in peacekeeping operations, including logistical and resource constraints, training gaps, and financial management and compensation issues. Limited resources, such as the lack of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), vehicles, and equipment hinder GAF's ability to maximise reimbursements from peacekeeping. Additionally, this lack of logistics has prevented GAF from deploying to new peacekeeping operations. Insufficient specialised training has also restricted GAF from pledging for specialist roles such as Engineering, Medical, and others, limiting GAF to only infantry roles.
Furthermore, insufficient strategic training programs for senior officers make it difficult for GAF to compete for senior positions in peace support operations alongside other countries. Additionally, financial management inefficiencies hinder GAF from utilising and capitalising on the peacekeeping funds to upgrade its peacekeeping equipment. The lack of effective oversight leads to the mismanagement of peacekeeping funds, limiting their potential to address military needs and support broader national development.

The GAF requires strategic reforms to maximise the benefits derived from peacekeeping. These strategies could enhance its contribution to international peacekeeping missions and ensure greater national returns. Key among them include investment in logistics, enhanced training and professional development, and leveraging economic and strategic gains. Investing in logistics to upgrade its Contingent Own Equipment (COE) will ensure that GAF meets operational requirements for deployments. Expanding specialised training programs will also enhance troop readiness and capacity for peacekeeping roles. Additionally, leveraging economic gains through robust oversight mechanisms will improve fund utilisation. In this regard, the paper recommends that GAF should lobby to increase its deployment to new or existing missions by 2026. Also, the GAF should deploy its own COE in missions to reap the full benefits of peacekeeping operations. Additionally, The Gambia Government should acquire the required COE for GAF for deployment to new missions. Finally, The Gambia Government should leverage its diplomatic channel to pledge new missions for GAF.