For General Ahmad Farhan Qureshi, the commanding officer of the departing Pakistani contingent, the transfer of responsibility for the protection of civilians from MONUSCO to the FARDC marks a critical milestone on the path to stability in the DRC.

"The transfer of responsibility for the protection of civilians from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to the local law enforcement marks a crucial step on the path to stability in the country," declared General Ahmad Farhan Qureshi, the Commander of the Pakistani contingent completing its mission.

In turn, Major General Khar Diouf, Acting Commander of the MONUSCO Force, wished the FARDC success as they take over the responsibility for the UN's military bases in South Kivu.

"My best wishes and prayers to the Congolese authorities, and especially the FARDC, as they take over the responsibility of the UN's military bases in South Kivu," stated Major General Khar Diouf, Acting Commander of the MONUSCO Force.

At this official ceremony, the commander of the 33rd military region, Major General Avul, praised the work done by these peacekeepers, while expressing his gratitude to them.

For the record, the Pakistani contingent has been deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo at Kavumu in the South Kivu province since 2003, which is 21 years later.

MMC