The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Jean-Pierre Bemba presided on Monday on behalf of the supreme commander and Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, at the Lwama center in Kindu in the Maniema province in the central-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the ceremony marking the end of training for the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of Commandos.

The governor of Maniema, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the FARDC in charge of operations, the Inspector General of the FARDC, the regional commander as well as many other politico-military authorities of the province enhanced the ceremony with their presence.

"I would first like to pay tribute to the Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, for appointing me to represent him at this ceremony marking the end of the commandos' training of the 31st brigade," emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense. He added: "I would also like to thank the Belgian instructors for the cooperation in the military field and all the Congolese instructors who have, with our partners, made efforts to ensure the training of this 31st brigade."

He reminded the new commandos: "The work that you have learned here is for the defense of the territorial integrity of our country. You know that our country is being aggressed from North-Kivu. Take your work very seriously, with self-sacrifice and determination to protect our brothers and sisters wherever you will be deployed," before further exhorting them: "We refuse betrayal, we want loyalty to the homeland, to the supreme commander and I invite you to follow the instructions of your commanders at your places of assignment so that the Head of State is satisfied with the work you will perform in the field for the interest of our homeland."

The audience witnessed a demonstration of some practical sessions and a military parade of young commandos.

Boni Tsala