Claim: Gambian Armed Forces Prepare for Historic Deployment to Sierra Leone
Verdict: TRUE
Context: A widely circulated WhatsApp video, which is a snippet of a news report from Star TV in The Gambia, claims that Gambian forces are preparing to join an ECOWAS contingent for deployment to Sierra Leone. The report indicates that the force will contribute to restoring stability and protecting constitutional values in Sierra Leone.
Evidence: To verify this claim, Sierra Check contacted a Gambian media colleague who confirmed that the video clip was authentic and originated from Star TV. The colleague cited confirmation from the media institution itself.
Sierra Check also reviewed the official Facebook page of Star TV (Gambia), where the report was available as part of their program NEWSROOM aired on October 2, 2024 (accessible via this link).
In addition, The Standard Newspaper in Gambia reported on September 18, 2024, that Gambia's National Assembly had approved the deployment of Gambian troops to Sierra Leone. Quoting Gambia’s Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow, the report highlighted the country’s commitment to regional peacekeeping efforts:
"By deploying our gallant Gambian troops to restore order and protect the democratic aspirations of our fellow West African brothers and sisters, we can contribute to the restoration of stability and the protection of constitutional values in Sierra Leone..."
Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Gambia Armed Forces, further confirmed that the contingent will consist of 100 troops, along with 35 personnel from the Gambian Armed Forces Unit and one officer from the intelligence corps.
Conclusion: The claim that the Gambia Armed Forces are preparing for deployment to Sierra Leone as part of an ECOWAS stabilization mission is confirmed to be TRUE.
Multiple credible sources, including Gambian news outlets and official military statements, substantiate this deployment as part of ongoing regional peacekeeping efforts aimed at safeguarding democracy and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.
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