President Barrow Accepts Resignation of CDS General Mamat Cham, Appoints Acting Army Chief

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Banjul, The Gambia – President Adama Barrow has accepted the resignation of the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, with immediate effect, according to an official government statement released on Friday, May 29, 2026.

The Presidency also announced the appointment of Major General Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff. Prior to his new appointment, Major General Gomez served as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff at the Army Headquarters in Banjul.

In his resignation letter dated Friday, Lieutenant General Cham stated that his decision to step down followed numerous allegations of misconduct and abuse of office, which he acknowledged were inconsistent with the responsibilities and integrity attached to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

General Cham expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the trust and confidence placed in him throughout his tenure, culminating in his appointment as The Gambia’s ninth Chief of Defence Staff. He further assured the President of his willingness to cooperate fully with any investigations that may arise from the allegations.

President Barrow, acting under the powers vested in him by Section 190 of the Constitution, accepted the resignation and immediately appointed Major General Gomez to oversee the affairs of the Armed Forces in an acting capacity.

The announcement was signed by Ebrima G. Sankareh, Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser.