Africa-Press – Angola. The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, praised, on Tuesday, Angola’s efforts in the search for solutions for regional peace and stability.
According to António Guterres, the sending of troops by Angola constitutes a significant contribution to achieving peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and consequently in the sub-region.
As a mediator in the conflict in eastern DRC, the Angolan Head of State led the parties to an understanding that resulted in a ceasefire agreement in that region, as of March 7 this year.
To ensure compliance with the agreement, the National Assembly unanimously approved, at the request of the President of the Republic, the sending of a contingent of 500 soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Angolan mission must secure the cantonment areas for the M23 elements and protect the members of the Ad-Hoc verification mechanism, following the ceasefire between government troops and the rebels.
António Guterres, who was speaking at the farewell ceremony of the Angolan ambassador to the UN, Maria de Jesus Ferreira, who is at the end of her mission, also took the opportunity to congratulate the diplomat for the work she performed during her mandate.
In turn, Ambassador Maria de Jesus Ferreira thanked the UN Secretary General and his team for the support provided during her mandate.
The diplomat praised the efforts of the UN Secretary General for his engagement in the search for solutions for world peace and stability, as well as the various reforms he has implemented within the UN system.
Maria de Jesus Ferreira reiterated Angola’s commitment to international peace and security, especially on the African continent, highlighting the approval by the National Assembly, at the request of President João Lourenço, of sending a contingent to the DRC, for a period of one year, to be renewed if necessary.
The diplomat informed that during the transitional period, until the arrival of the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations, the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador João Gimolieca, will be in charge of the mission.
Maria de Jesus Ferreira served as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in New York, from February 2018 to March 2023.
The diplomat will perform the same function in the Portuguese Republic.
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