Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura ends his term as the head of the UN Mission in Mali

{Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura, Force Commander of integrated multidimensional United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Mali (MINUSMA) has bid farewell to the UN force and the regional authorities, IGIHE has learned on Tuesday.}

General Jean Bosco Kazura conducted a tour last Friday in Timbuktu, at the head of a large delegation of nine people, including the Deputy Force Commander, General Omar Bikimo and the Chief of Staff, General Christian Thiebault, MaliActu reported.

“At the end of my term, I am a happy but we faced difficult times,” he says by observing a minute’s silence in honor of the peacekeepers “who sacrificed themselves for peace and stability not only in Mali but for the entire African continent and elsewhere in the world, “he said.

The visit of General Jean Bosco Kazura has served the dual purpose of addressing the words of farewell and introducing the new commandment (ad interim) of the UN Force in Mali, General Omar Bikimo from Chad.

MINUSMA supports the Malian authorities in the stabilization of the main northern cities by carrying out patrols long spans, especially in areas where civilians are at risk.

Addressing the peacekeepers, General Kazura urged discipline, determination, vigilance and focus on their roles in the peace process in Mali despite asymmetric threats they face.

“… I ask you then to redouble efforts and to be very careful, “said Mr Kazura.

General Jean Bosco Kazura met among others, two leading figures in Timbuktu: the Governor of the region, Colonel Mamadou Mangara Staff and the Grand Imam Abdrahamane Ben Essayouti of the Great Mosque Djingarey Ber.

The discussions focused on the security situation and strengthening collaboration between Malian forces and those of the MINUSMA to better support the cease-fire and protection of civilians.

The Head of the Regional Office of the MINUSMA in Timbuktu, Cecilia Piazza, thanked the Force Commander for his commitment and his support in the strengthening of the peacekeeping presence in the northern region.

In office since 1 July 2013 to the Force command in the MINUSMA, General Kazura officially ends his term on December 14, 2014 to take on other responsibilities in his country.

angedelavictoire@igihe.com