United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Clara Padovan
5 February 2008
Kinshasa — As part of the MONUC training programme for FARDC integrated brigades in eastern DRC, the closing ceremony for the training of the 12th and 13th battalions of the 17th integrated FARDC brigade took place on 1 February 2008 in Luberizi, South Kivu.
FARDC General Masunzu from the 10th military region and General Mouhamad Salawat, commander of the MONUC South Kivu Pakistani brigade presided over the ceremony. Captain Theo Blomme from MONUC's Security Sector Reform (SSR) section was also in attendance.
Cpt. Blomme was among those who designed and initiated the pilot project, launched in 2007 in order to strengthen the technical and operational capabilities of the FARDC's integrated brigades in eastern DRC.
The training coordinated by ten highly experienced officers has enabled 1,500 young men and women to become aware of their military responsibility and become worthy members of a professional army.
The ten Pakistani officers in charge of the training in Luberizi have contributed a lot to the success of these sessions. During the ceremony, they expressed their satisfaction and optimism.
"We chose this mission and we are here for one year. We want to offer our 20 years military experience in command and training to a country that has passed through a terrible time. It is so rewarding to see these soldiers making so many efforts not to disappoint us. They are highly motivated and have all demonstrated an excellent spirit of cohesion and discipline, supported by a high level of fitness, they deserve this success," said one.
For Colonel Aslan and Colonel Ijaz: "The success of this training, despite huge logistical problems caused by the administrative chain, is very encouraging."
Cpt Blomme has also expressed his satisfaction but stressed the need to solve these logistical problems.
"This is in order not to obstruct what is already a success for MONUC. Nevertheless the people of this project are soldiers who can overcome all administrative barriers."
The FARDC soldiers are proud to wear their uniforms and to be part of this training. The course -tactics, ambushes, map reading, civism, human rights, children's rights and prevention of sexual violence against women - has helped build a strong cohesion among these soldiers. In their ranks are 13 young women full of rigor and motivation.
Ida, a 35 year old from Maniema, is a section chief: "I am in the army for eight years, I joined as a private, and I'm now 1st Sergeant. I was formerly in Shabunda, and this training taught me a lot. I am proud to have done this training and I want to serve my country in a strong and respected army."
As the first woman to join the training she added: "I immediately felt accepted by the male soldiers, and female soldiers are respected here." When being asked about rapes made by FARDC soldiers, Ida said that "these soldiers should be punished."
For Colonel Panzu: "it is necessary that all integrated units go through this training, to strengthen their motivation and skills. Some of the best troops might join UN Peace keeping missions one day."
This programme has demonstrated how joint efforts from MONUC and the FARDC can lead to a success story and contribute to building a disciplined and professional army, which is essential to ensure the future of the DRC.
In two weeks time, three new battalions will join Luberizi in greater numbers and will strengthen the DRC army step by step.
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