Major. Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura to head the UN force in Mali

{{The United Nations has appointed Major. General, Jean Bosco Kazura to head the UN force, yet to be established in Mali, beating a Chadian general to take over the position.}}

Kazura made a strong impression described by the UN as “military excellent”, the Chadian general failed to impress the UN members during a UN hearing. Kazura’s appointment sailed through even as Chad’s candidacy was justified by the good performance of Chadian soldiers who fought alongside the French during the Mali insurgency.

To take over command of The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali {MINUSMA}, the UN primarily sought a person with a background, who can network with the Malian army, African troops from West Africa and French soldiers who remain in support.

Kazura will be assisted by a Nigerian general, while the Chief of Staff of the MINUSCO will be a French officer in charge.

Maj. General Kazura’s appointment was based not only on his fluency in French, but also his good experience in peacekeeping missions. He was Deputy Force Commander of the African Union in Darfur before the deployment of peacekeepers.

Kazura will be responsible for 12,600 troops deployed in Northern Mali, a precarious territory where armed groups remain active.

The majority of soldiers under the command of Jean-Bosco Kazura will come from the African force already in Mali.

Other countries such as Norway, Sweden, Ireland and Germany are in talks to participate in the UN force in Mali.

Commenting on Kazura’s appointment, Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo sent a tweet praising the move. “I am proud of my brothers of Rwanda Defence Forces,” read her comment.

{wirestory}