Editorial: Loyalty, Discipline, and the Sanctity of Military Confidentiality

The recent allegations circulating in sections of the media involving former Sergeant Modou Saine and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham, raise serious questions not only about ethics and professionalism but also about military discipline, confidentiality, and respect for the institution of the armed forces.

Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham is not an ordinary officer. He is a veteran soldier who dedicated over four decades of his life to the service of the nation, long before some of his critics, including the former Sergeant in question, were even born. Throughout his distinguished military career, General Cham has earned the respect of colleagues, officers, and ordinary Gambians through sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering loyalty to national service.

The attempt by a disgruntled former subordinate to publicly expose internal matters allegedly acquired while serving as an orderly and personal assistant to the Chief of Defence Staff is deeply troubling and dangerous for military professionalism. The armed forces operate on trust, confidentiality, and discipline. A soldier entrusted with sensitive information during service cannot later weaponize that access for personal vendetta, media sensationalism, or political manipulation.

Under the Gambia Armed Forces Act (GAFA 85) and the established Terms and Conditions governing soldiers and officers, TACOS military personnel are bound by strict codes of conduct regarding confidentiality and disclosure of privileged information obtained in the line of duty. These obligations do not simply disappear after a disagreement, dismissal, retirement, or resignation. Military discipline is continuous and compulsory both during and after service, where classified or sensitive information is concerned.

If every orderly, clerk, aide-de-camp, or assistant were to leave service and begin exposing internal communications, operational discussions, or confidential matters to media houses, the very foundation of military command and national security would collapse. No serious military institution in the world tolerates such conduct.

The matter, therefore, transcends personal differences between two individuals. It is about protecting the integrity of the Gambia Armed Forces as a respected national institution. The deliberate leaking of confidential information acquired through military duties constitutes a serious breach of discipline and may amount to conduct punishable under military law.

Criticism of public officials is acceptable in a democracy, but there is a clear distinction between legitimate public discourse and the unlawful disclosure of sensitive information entrusted to a soldier under oath. Former Sergeant Modou Saine must understand that military service comes with lifelong responsibilities, including loyalty to the institution and adherence to the laws governing armed service personnel.

The authorities should therefore treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Upholding discipline within the ranks of the armed forces is essential for national stability, command structure, and institutional credibility. No individual, regardless of personal grievances, should be allowed to undermine the integrity of the military through reckless disclosures that violate the laws and traditions of the armed forces.

The Gambia Armed Forces must remain an institution guided by honour, discipline, loyalty, and respect for lawful authority — principles that generations of patriotic officers like Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham have spent their lives defending.