AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000101


E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/01/2019
TAGS: MARR PGOV PINR PREL SNAR GA
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF

Classified By: Classified by Ambassador Barry L. Wells for reasons 1.4
(a) (d)

1.(U) SUMMARY: Ambassador met with Gambian Chief of Defense
Staff Major General Lang Tombong Tamba on a variety of issues
including Gambian contributions to UN Peacekeeping
operations, IMET, and the recent visit of Guinea-Bissau CDS
Captain (Navy) Jose Zamora Induta.

2.(SBU) Ambassador met with Gambian Chief of Defense Staff
Tamba and passed along concerns about the English language
facility of recent IMET participants, as two of them were
unable to pass the language test upon arrival. If this
problem continues, this could lead to an in country test
requirement which could impact Gambian participation. Tamba
promised that he would assure that future participants were
sufficiently fluent in English.

3.(C) Tamba said that the visit of Guinea-Bissau Chief of
Defense Staff Jose Zamora Induta resulted in the signing of
an MOU between the countries that focused on communications
and technical assistance cooperation. The delegation paid
courtesy call on President Jammeh at State House. Ambassador
asked CDS if Induta was acting in this capacity since it was
not clear that his appointment was official. Tamba said
Induta is officially the CDS, then lamented that the system
in GB is for the military leadership to select the CDS, not
the President as is done in most other countries, including
The Gambia. He pointed to this practice as leading to
continuing problems in GB as the CDS has no allegiance to the
President but is dependent on the loyalty of the military.
He felt this was at the core of the recent assassinations and
commented that the last 4 CDS' in GB were assassinated as
well.

4.(C) Tamba said they did not discuss the situation of former
GB Chief of Navy Staff, N'Tchuto and that President Jammeh
had committed to keep him in The Gambia unless directed by
ECOWAS to release him to another member country. Tamba also
denied that former GB president Kumba Yalla was in The Gambia
as was rumored. He indicated that President Jammeh had
directed him to promote a joint MOU with Senegal,
Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry and The Gambia for expanded
military cooperation. Tamba added that he was invited to
attend Senegal's' independence April 4 and would be going to
Dakar for the celebrations.

5.(SBU) Tamba indicated that The Gambia Armed Forces would
induct approximately 1300 new recruits next week, the largest
intake to date. This he said was in continuing preparation
to field a full battalion for peacekeeping operations under
the UN umbrella. Ambassador asked if The Gambia has been in
touch with the UN recently regarding the continuing need for
the forces and he said they had not. He also indicated that
messages to the UN were not always handled well by their
delegation and The Gambia was considering adding a Defense
Attach' to their UN delegation. Ambassador suggested The
Gambia should consult with the UNPK as to the continuing need
for these forces.

6.(C)COMMENT: Tamba's take on the CDS situation in
Guinea-Bissau is interesting as is the visit to The Gambia to
sign an MOU. With the GB situation still in a state of flux,
this may be a move by Induta to gain credibility and solidify
support for the legitimacy of his role as CDS. Tamba showed
little respect for the GB military and commented on their
deep involvement in corruption including drug trafficking.
This move is also indication of Jammeh's efforts to raise his
profile in the region. We ren't quite certain whether to take
Tamba at his word that Induta did not meet N'Chuto, as
sources elsewhere in the military told POL/ECON LES that such
a meeting would take place and that the primary purpose of
the visit was to promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis
in Guinea-Bissau.


WELLS