The Gambia is set to deploy 150 soldiers to Sierra Leone as part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stabilisation force.

Gambians’ National Assembly Watch says, Vice President, Muhammad Jallow tabled a motion in the Gambian Parliament last week.

Lawmakers in the sister nation voted in support of the government to deploy the soldiers to Sierra Leone.

“By deploying our gallant 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 protection of constitutional values in Sierra Leone,” the Gambian Vice President said.

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In August this year, the regional bloc agreed to activate its standby force as a way of extending its security support to Sierra Leone and operationalising its depot in Lungi, Northwest of the country.

During the 42nd Ordinary Session, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa affirmed that the force is geared towards supporting ECOWAS’ peace operations.

“We should stand by democracy. All non-constitutional takeovers of government are foreign and must not be encouraged,” Musa said.

He added that all member states supported the initiative except for Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso who were absent from the session.

The force, once deployed, will used to combat military coups and terrorism in the sub-region.

Musa said, “Terrorism is moving from the Sahel to the coastal countries.”