Kalemie – 1st August 2015: Benin Battalion celebrated the 55th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Benin. 1st August recalls the access of the Republic of Benin to the international sovereignty; “it is a critical time to come together around the core values that can bring together people from the different continents in general and from Africa in particular; that would serve as a strong tie to underpin their common will to live together, showing solidarity and a keen sense of responsibility,” said the commander of the 9th MONUSCO Battalion from Benin.

The highlights of the celebrations also include a military parade at Maendeleo square performed by peacekeepers from Benin and their comrades of arms from FARDC as well as members of the Congolese national Police force.

The celebrations were attended by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Martin Kobler who was accompanied by the Benin Ambassador to the DRC and the Director of the United Nations Human Rights Joint Office.

As from 1990, Benin Armed Forces (FAB) have performed approximately fifteen outstanding operations in support of the peace in a variety of countries including the DRC. In 2006, the first Benin peacekeepers set foot in Katanga under the UN flag.

On that year, as part of civilian protection, Benin battalions deployed in Kalemie, Bendera, Nyunzu, Manono, Moba and Mitwaba were regularly visited by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General at a time when those areas were facing different crises due to inter communal conflicts.

In light of this commitment, Martin Kobler, Chief of MONUSCO applauded the example of democracy set by the Republic of Benin, highlighting that MONUSCO still has challenges to overcome before leaving the DRC. “2015-2016 is a critical time when we will be experiencing deep political changes stirred by the territorial demarcation, the election campaign…especially in Tanganyika; we shall not leave behind us a fragile country,” said the SRRSG.

Benin Ambassador to the DRC took the opportunity to appeal to everyone to work for “the triumph of lasting peace and development. It is not quite easy to ensure the stability of such a huge country, that has long been subject of all kinds of covetousness”.

AMURI ALEKA/Assistant PIO-Kalemie