Military officers and legal practitioners from the Gambia Armed Forces recently participated in an intensive training programme in Serekunda to help the country align its military justice system with constitutional, human rights principles and international humanitarian law.
Delivered in partnership with the Gambia Armed Forces, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the British Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross from 27 to 31 July 2026, the training was the first capacity-building activity following Law Ministers’ endorsement of the Commonwealth Military Justice Principles and Model Laws in February 2026.
From principles to practice
The programme equipped participants with practical tools to strengthen disciplinary processes, improve command accountability and apply international legal standards within their units.
Commenting on the value of the training, Captain Augustus Mendy said:
“This training has strengthened my understanding of how military justice and the rule of law are inseparable from operational effectiveness. I now appreciate that disciplined, lawful decision-making enhances mission success, strengthens public confidence, and reinforces the professionalism of the Gambia Armed Forces.”
Lieutenant Modou Sarjo, who also attended the training, said he valued learning alongside his colleagues from the Armed Forces. He said:
“The practical discussions have equipped us with tools to improve accountability, fairness, and collaboration within the Gambia Armed Forces, ensuring our military justice system continues to evolve in line with international best practices.”
Dr Elizabeth Macharia, Acting Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Section, said:
“The initiative builds on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s broader commitment to helping member countries strengthen the rule of law, build resilient institutions and develop professional security sectors that operate in line with national and international legal standards.”
Mukhtar Adesunkanmi, Political Officer at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
“The Commonwealth is proud to support this partnership, which is about much more than training: it is about building enduring institutional capacity and strengthening the legal and ethical foundations that underpin effective, accountable armed forces.”
The programme supported the development of a practical military justice and international humanitarian law manual, training materials and a roadmap for future legal, policy and institutional reforms to enhance public confidence in military institutions, and the long-term promotion of the rule of law in The Gambia.
Learn more about the endorsement of the Commonwealth Military Justice Principles and Model Laws
