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United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)

Congo-Kinshasa: Mbandaka - The New Commander of Monuc Western Brigade On a Field Visit

Jean-Tobie Okala

31 March 2008

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One week, starting 25 March 2008, is the duration of the meeting-visit made by the new Commander of MONUC Western Brigade in Mbandaka. Brigadier General Ishmael Ben Quartey visited Mbandaka, Gbadolite, Gemena and Lisala, not only to enhance the morale of the troops, but also to get to know his men, after he has been only two months at the head of the Western Brigade, which includes Kinshasa, Bas-Congo and Equateur provinces.

According to general Quartey, this visit should have been organized as soon as he arrived in the DRC; but the recent events in Bas-Congo did not allow it. However, he was determined to visit the Equateur province, after four on-site visits within less than eight weeks in Matadi where "there is not one village that I still don't know about," he said.

In Mbandaka, brigadier general Ishmael Ben Quartey was welcomed by the head of office in MONUC/Equateur. Guirane Ndiaye was pleased to remind the Ghanaian who is in his fifties of "the nice job done by GhanBatt (the Ghanaian Battalion) in this province for many years, of which both MONUC and the local populations were proud." From Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to social and sports activities via ensuring security for the populations and MONUC facilities, the Ghanaian Battalion in particular and all the men in uniform of MONUC/Equateur won the heart of the populations of this Province, MONUC Head of Office concluded.

General Quartey laid much emphasis on the situation of the demobilized elements that are a serious threat to peace and security. Because at times they attack civilian populations, snatch their property and food, and destroy plantations, at other times they attack MONUC staff, as was the case in Gemena on 24 March last.

Official statistics varied depending on their sources, but an estimated number of more than 8,000 out of the 18,000 demobilized in this province are still awaiting their reinsertion kits.

The Western Brigade Commander was also concerned about the disorderly placements of ammunitions and unexploded objects, which is another threat to the security of the civilian populations. Such deadly objects are placed throughout the province, sometimes with summary or even inexistent security conditions.

Wherever he went, in Lisala, Gemena or Gbadolite, general Quartey saluted the bravery of Blue helmets for the wonderful work they do every day, sometimes in difficult conditions, in order to make it possible for the Congolese to live in peace. He urged his troops to be worthy of the United Nations uniform and to continue holding high the flag of the world-wide organization.

And, of course, the Commander of MONUC Western Brigade ultimately gave advice to his men as regards to operations and security. He promised to come again on other visits in the province.

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