ECOWAS Military Mission in Gambia Receives Professional Service Medal Award in Outstanding Ceremony.
By Raymond Enoch
In a symbolic ceremony, the 8th Senegalese Battalion (SENBATT 8), currently serving under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (MICEGA), was awarded the Professional Service Medal for its exemplary service.
The event, held at Kafenda, 12th June 2025 marked a significant milestone in the peacekeeping journey of the battalion, honouring its unwavering professionalism, commitment to regional stability, and dedicated service to the Gambian people.
The medal ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries and high-ranking officials, underlining the importance of the occasion. Notable among them were Mrs. Miatta Lily French, Head of Mission for MICEGA, and Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Defence for The Gambia. Their presence reinforced the strategic partnership between The Gambia and ECOWAS and underscored the significance of the mission’s contributions to national peace and security.
In their addresses, both leaders commended SENBATT 8 for its conduct, discipline, and the critical role it has played in civil-military cooperation. They highlighted the battalion’s initiatives in community outreach, local infrastructure support, and capacity-building, which have significantly enhanced trust and collaboration between the mission and the host communities.
Colonel Gabriel Tine, Commander of SENBATT 8, took the opportunity to express his profound pride in his troops. He noted that the medal was not just a recognition of the soldiers’ service, but also a testament to the power of collective effort, unity, and unwavering dedication to duty. “This honour belongs to every man and woman in uniform who stood together under the banner of peace,” he said. “Our mission has been a journey of resilience and shared commitment, and this recognition inspires us to keep striving for excellence.”
SENBATT 8’s deployment to The Gambia comes as part of a broader ECOWAS initiative to support stability, governance, and democratic consolidation in the country, following the 2016 political transition. Through its multifaceted engagements—ranging from security operations to humanitarian assistance—the battalion has played an integral role in sustaining peace and aiding national development efforts.
The medal ceremony also featured a display of military discipline and cultural exchange, including a parade and traditional performances, which further cemented the goodwill between the host nation and the peacekeepers.
As the sun set over Kafenda, the echoes of honour and applause reverberated—a powerful reminder that peace is a product of sacrifice, professionalism, and enduring cooperation. SENBATT 8, now adorned with well-earned medals, stands as a shining example of ECOWAS’s commitment to a stable and peaceful West Africa.
