THE GAMBIA: THE MILITARY GETS ITS FIRST GENERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000234

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DAKAR PLS PASS ODC, DAO, AND RAO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/03/2017
TAGS: MCAP PGOV PHUM GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: THE MILITARY GETS ITS FIRST GENERAL

REF: BANJUL 217 (NOTAL)

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)

APPOINTMENT OF FIRST GENERAL
--------------


1. (C) The GOTG announced May 2 President Yahya Jammeh's
decision to promote Chief of Defense Staff (CHOD) Lang
Tombong Tamba from the rank of Colonel to that of Brigadier
General. Tamba thus becomes the first Gambian military
officer to achieve the rank of General. The appointment
occurred amidst persistent rumors that, following the
abortive coup plot here in March 2006, Jammeh continues to
harbor suspicions about the loyalty of elements within the
armed forces. Our sources interpret Tamba's promotion as a
move by Jammeh to ensure the former's ongoing support.

ETHNIC ANGLE
--------------


2. (C) Some contacts also see the move as part of an effort
by Jammeh gradually to increase the presence of members of
his Jola tribe in leading military and security positions.
They note, on this score, the recent promotions of other
Jolas -- that of Benedict Jammeh, as Inspector General of
Police (reftel),and of another relatively senior military
officer, Musa Jammeh, from the rank of Captain to that of
Major. (NOTE: There are credible reports of Musa Jammeh's
involvement in torture of detainees picked up following the
abortive coup plot. END NOTE)


COMMENT
--------------


3. (C) The Gambian President's personnel moves of late
warrant careful monitoring, as they may well be designed to
place more Jolas in key slots in the GOTG's military and
security institutions. As for The Gambian military's
first-ever Brigadier General, he is an IMET graduate and we
find him generally well disposed toward the U.S. and, for the
most part, supportive of the bilateral military relationship.
As for the newly promoted Major Musa Jammeh, to our
knowledge he has not participated in IMET or other
U.S.-sponsored military cooperation programs, and his
reported involvement in human rights abuses rules out such
participation in the future. END COMMENT
STAFFORD