By Mustapha K Darboe

BANJUL, Gambia

Turkey on Tuesday donated military equipment to Gambia at the country’s military headquarters in the capital Banjul. 

Ambassador Ismail Sefa Yuceer said Turkey’s support to Gambia’s military in 2018-2019 totals $1.4 million. He said the support was part of a technical assistant program that has been going on for the past 16 years.

According to local officials, as many as 7,500 Gambian soldiers have been trained by the Turkish military both in the country and in Turkey.

The small West African country is in a political transition and the country’s military is being reformed as it progresses from its dictatorship past.

The donated items included military boots, jackets, and bags.

“The support is huge in our efforts to ensure that the Gambian Armed Forces is fully equipped and ready to be able to take of its responsibilities both at home and abroad,” said Masanneh Kinteh, Gambia’s chief of staff.