762 MDF troops ready for DRC
United States Ambassador David Young has hailed Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers for their efforts to restore the economy and peace of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He said this at the graduation of 762 Malawi Battalion (Malbatt 15) soldiers who have completed their 14-week peace-keeping pre-deployment training in Mzuzu on Friday.
The troops will be deployed under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco).
Young hailed Malawi’s military service for its consistent dedication towards upholding human rights and the welfare of people around Goma area in the east of DRC.
He said: “The US is proud to have partnered with Malawi in promoting peace in areas experiencing violence and today, we are celebrating their good cause.
“The soldiers have always dedicated themselves to protect and uphold the rights of civilians in warring areas.”
Young said the region around Goma has been experiencing civil strife for quite a long time.
“We think MDF men will provide peace and stability in the region while at the same time, trying to revamp the economy of that country,” he said
British Peace Support Team Lieutenant Colonel Simon De Labillièrre said their partnership with MDF has brought in professional military outcomes.
“We are so lucky to have a partnership with the MDF because it is comprehensively professional in its operations. It’s been a hard 14-week training but I still believe that they will excel in their mission,” he said.
MDF Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri said the soldiers were battle-ready and willing to protect peace in DRC.
However, he advised the troops to continue championing the high status of Malawi’s military system during the mission.
He said: “It is on record that Malawi has one of the best military in Africa. So, it will take a continued hard-work, discipline and commitment by you to maintain this status.
“I urge you to conduct yourselves well when executing your peace mission in the DRC. I am optimistic that nobody will be withdrawn from DRC due to indiscipline.”
The DRC’s east has been ravaged by militia violence for three decades, a legacy of regional wars that flared in the 1990s and 2000s.
The UN peacekeeping mission, in place since 1999, is one of the largest and has an annual budget of about $1 billion.
