In a major stride for national security, The Gambia Navy has formally received two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) at a handing over ceremony held on 5 February 2026 at the Naval Headquarters in Banjul. The RHIBS with complete standard operating equipment were donated by the European Union under the Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime security (SWAIMS) program.
In his welcoming remarks, the Commanding Officer Naval Command, Commander Fara Jobe expressed that the new assets are set to significantly enhance the Navy’s capacity to patrol territorial waters, conduct search and rescue operations, and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and smuggling activities that directly threaten the nation’s economy and food security.
The donation, a key component of (SWAIMS) initiative, includes comprehensive training for Gambia Naval personnel in operating and maintaining the boats. The EU Ambassador to the Her Excellency Immaculada Roca I Cortes, and The ECOWAS representative and head of mission in the Gambia, Her Excellency Maitta Lily French, both emphasised that the project strengthens regional cooperation and promotes sustainable, African-led maritime security. They underscored that the delivery forms part of a broader effort that has seen similar vessels provided to other ECOWAS coastal states, fostering a unified regional response to shared maritime threats.
The Manager SWAIMS, Navy Captain Rui Pedro Sylva Filipe gave a detailed brief of the boats’ capabilities and equipment that they come with.
Representing the Chief of Defense Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat OA Cham, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Ousman Gomez, highlighted that the support came at a critical time and represents a major boost to Gambia Navy’s efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime space as a coastal nation whose economy, food security and livelihood are linked to the sea. Maritime security and safety remains a national priority, General Gomez concluded.
The Honourable Minister of Defence Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof expressed profound gratitude to the donors, underscoring the importance of the partnership for a riverine and maritime nation like The Gambia, where marine resources are a key pillar of the economy.
The event concluded with the signing of the handover documents between Commodore Rui Leite Da Cunha and Chief of Naval Staff Commodore Sambou Barrow, marking a firm commitment to the professional use of the assets and a more coordinated approach to safeguarding the country’s waters and resources.
The event was graced by officials from the EU, ECOWAS, Civil Guardia, Office of National Security, Gambia Maritime Authority, Fisheries department, heads of Security services and agencies.
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