RECRUIT DIES AFTER GAF COMBAT FITNESS TEST

Dozens Hospitalised as Authorities Launch Investigation Into Intake 40 Incident

By Jarra News Media

FARAJA, THE GAMBIA — September 11, 2026: The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has launched an investigation following the death of a recruit who collapsed after completing a demanding Combat Fitness Test (CFT) at the GAF Training School in Fajara.

The deceased recruit, whose name has been withheld pending notification of the family, was among members of Intake 40 participating in the rigorous exercise on Friday afternoon.

The incident also resulted in several other recruits requiring medical attention, with 31 recruits reportedly admitted at two medical facilities.

According to the GAF, the Combat Fitness Test forms part of the basic military training programme and is designed to test recruits’ physical and mental endurance.

The exercise involves a 12-kilometre run in full combat gear, with recruits carrying approximately 15 kilograms of additional weight, including their helmets and other equipment.

The deceased recruit reportedly collapsed at the training school shortly after completing the exercise.

Medical personnel attached to the GAF Training School immediately responded and rushed him to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau, where he later died.

31 Recruits Receive Medical Treatment

The GAF said eight other recruits were admitted at Ndemban Clinic, while another 23 were referred to Kanifing General Hospital (KGH) for further medical treatment.

The Armed Forces said some of those admitted at KGH have since been discharged, while the remaining recruits are reported to be stable and continue to receive treatment and observation by medical teams.

Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Ousman Gomez has directed that all affected recruits receive immediate and appropriate medical care, including necessary medication and other medical services.

CDC Leads Investigation

Authorities have moved to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is being led by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), with support from the GAF Directorate of Medical Services and GAF public health officers.

Samples have also been collected and submitted to the National Public Health Laboratory for further examination.

The investigation is expected to establish what led to the death and illnesses reported among recruits following the strenuous exercise.

EDITORIAL NOTE — JARRA NEWS MEDIA

Jarra News Media extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased recruit at this very difficult time. We pray that Allah grants the departed soul Jannatul Firdaus and gives the bereaved family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

We also extend our thoughts and prayers to all the recruits currently receiving medical treatment and wish them a speedy and full recovery.

While welcoming the decision by the Gambia Armed Forces to investigate this unfortunate incident, Jarra News Media calls for a thorough, transparent and impartial inquiry into all circumstances surrounding what happened.

In our view, the inquiry should not be limited solely to events that occurred during the Combat Fitness Test on September 11. It should also examine the recruitment and selection process for Intake 40, including whether all selected recruits underwent the required medical screening and were medically fit to undertake such a demanding military exercise.

The inquiry should also establish whether the recruitment process was conducted fairly and transparently, without favouritism, nepotism, undue influence or preferential treatment of any kind.

These are serious questions that deserve clear and credible answers—not to prejudge anyone, but to ensure accountability, protect the integrity of the Gambia Armed Forces’ recruitment system, and, most importantly, safeguard the lives and wellbeing of future recruits.

Jarra News Media therefore urges the military authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, independent in its findings, and transparent in communicating the outcome to the Gambian public.

The death of a young recruit and the hospitalisation of dozens of others deserve nothing less than a full accounting of what happened, why it happened, and what measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence.

May Allah grant the deceased eternal rest and grant all those hospitalised a speedy recovery.