President Barrow Accepts Resignation of Army Chief of Defence Staff And Appoints Acting Chief of Defence Staff

Press Release Dated: Friday 29th May, 2026

Banjul, The Gambia –His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has accepted the resignation of the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat O. A. Cham effective immediately, and appoints, Major General Ousman Gomez as Acting CDS.

In his resignation letter dated today, Friday 29th May, 2026, Lieutenant General Cham, said he was stepping down following numerous allegations of misconduct and abuse of office inconsistent with the Office of Chief of Defence Staff.

He thanked President Barrow for the confidence and respect reposed in him culminating in his appointment as The Gambia’s Ninth Chief of Defence Staff. General Cham has also, assured the President of his availability in any potential investigations into these allegations.

President Adama Barrow has unreservedly accepted General Cham’s resignation and acting on the powers vested in him by Section 190 of the Constitution, Mr. Barrow has with immediate effect, appointed Major General Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff. Until his appointment, Major General Gomez was Deputy Chief of Defence Staff at Army Headquarters in Banjul.

Sign:

Ebrima G. Sankareh

The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser

Source: State House of The Gambia