Colonel Aliou Tine, recently appointed Commander of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mission Force in The Gambia (ECOMIG), has pledged to ensure regional stability and security, as well as supporting the smooth rolling of the upcoming electoral process, in close cooperation with the national authorities and the Gambia Armed Forces.
This commitment was made during the official change of command ceremony, held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at ECOMIG Headquarters in Bakau, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities from Colonel Ndiagne Diouf, the outgoing commander of the Force.
The solemn ceremony was marked by the symbolic exchange of the ECOMIG command flag, a gesture that materialized the transition of authority and responsibility between the two senior officers. The event was attended by senior personalities namely the High Commissioner of Senegal in The Gambia, the National Security Advisor, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, senior officers of the Gambia Armed Forces, contingent commanders as well as ECOMIG officers and military.
In his official speech, Colonel Aliou Tine called his appointment a high honor conferred by ECOWAS and the Government of The Gambia. He congratulated Colonel Ndiagne Diouf and his team on the achievements achieved during the outgoing term and expressed his firm determination to preserve and strengthen the legacy left. He equally recognized the strategic importance of the upcoming election period, reiterating his commitment to supporting the conduct of peaceful elections, in close coordination with the Gambian authorities and the National Armed Forces.
In turn, the ECOWAS Chief of Mission Mrs. Miatta Lily French has expressed her profound gratitude to Colonel Ndiagne Diouf for her dedication and service to The Gambia and the sub-region. He emphasized that, in a context marked by worsening security challenges at the regional and international levels, the role of ECOMIG continues to be crucial in preserving stability and creating an environment conducive to economic growth.
Ms French also recalled that, since its deployment in 2017, ECOMIG has been playing a central role in maintaining peace and supporting democratic governance in The Gambia. The new Force Commander received the assurance of full support from the Mission Headquarters and contingent commanders for the effective execution of the ECOMIG mandate.
In his farewell address, Colonel Ndiagne Diouf, outgoing Commander of the Force, presented an overview of his one-year tenure and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government and people of The Gambia, ECOWAS authorities and the leadership of the Mission for their constant and unconditional support. He highlighted, among the main accomplishments of his command, providing medical assistance to over 8,000 people, conducting over 100 security missions and conducting over 40 joint patrols with the Gambian security forces.
