UNMISS DEPUTY FORCE COMMANDER PLEDGES CLOSE COOPERATION WITH RWANDAN PEACEKEEPERS

The newly appointed Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Maj Gen Laston Ngosa, has pledged to work closely with Rwandan peacekeepers to strengthen implementation of the Mission's mandate. He made the commitment today during a visit to the RWANBATT-1 contingent at UN Tomping Base Camp in Juba. He was accompanied by the Force Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Daisuke Horiguchi, and other staff from the UNMISS Force Headquarters.

The visit was intended to familiarise the Deputy Force Commander with RWANBATT-1's personnel, assess its operational and administrative activities, understand its challenges, and support mandate implementation.

On arrival, Maj Gen Ngosa was received by the RWANBATT-1 Contingent Commander, Lt Col Aloys Ntagwabira, who briefed him on the contingent's operations and responsibilities. The briefing highlighted RWANBATT-1's role in protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian activities, and maintaining a safe and secure environment within its area of responsibility.

Lt Col Ntagwabira thanked Maj Gen Ngosa for the visit, describing it as an encouragement to the contingent and a sign of continued support from UNMISS leadership. The Contingent Commander reaffirmed RWANBATT-1's commitment to maintaining operational readiness in carrying out its mandate with discipline and professionalism.

In his remarks, Maj Gen Ngosa said the visit was meant to provide an opportunity to better understand the contingent's operational environment and identify areas where the UNMISS Force leadership could offer support.

He urged the peacekeepers to maintain a high level of operational readiness, strengthen training, and remain prepared for emerging tasks, particularly those related to the upcoming electoral period planned for December. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian activities while following established UNMISS procedures and communication channels.

Maj Gen Ngosa assured RWANBATT-1 of the continued cooperation and support of the UNMISS Force leadership.

The visit included a symbolic tree-planting activity led by Maj Gen Ngosa, followed by an inspection of some of RWANBATT-1's operational capabilities.