KINSHASA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Thursday to pay tribute to Pakistani peacekeepers before their final departure after more than 20 years of service with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

More than 20 years after their arrival in the DRC, Pakistani peacekeepers are preparing to leave the host country, marking a significant step in MONUSCO's gradual disengagement plan, which began in January 2024, according to a press release issued by MONUSCO.

Since 2003, more than 100,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in the eastern province of South Kivu, and 31 have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"I salute the immense contribution of the troops of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in promoting peace and security in South Kivu Province. I pay tribute to the 31 peacekeepers who paid the ultimate price. Over the years, their sacrifice, their professionalism, and their commitment have contributed to protecting millions of people in the DRC," said Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, during the ceremony in Kavumu, South Kivu Province.

According to the plan established by the DRC and the UN, MONUSCO's withdrawal will take place in three phases, starting with the complete withdrawal of the mission's military and police components from South Kivu by April 30 and of its civilian component by June 30.

The second and third phases provide for a withdrawal from North Kivu Province and Ituri Province, and MONUSCO leaves "definitively the DRC no later than the end of 2024", according to a press release published in January 2024 jointly by the DRC government and the MONUSCO.

"MONUSCO transfers responsibility for the security and physical protection of civilians to the DRC Defense and Security Forces, which will continue to assume this responsibility in close coordination with local communities and authorities. According to the disengagement plan, parallel to the withdrawal of UN troops, the government is strengthening its presence in the areas that the mission leaves at its request," added Bintou Keita.

The head of MONUSCO also reiterated that the withdrawal of MONUSCO from South Kivu Province is not synonymous with the departure of the UN from the DRC. "It is a reconfiguration of the United Nations' presence in support of the people and government of the DRC. After the departure of MONUSCO, UN agencies, funds, and programs will continue to provide support in relation to their mandates in respective countries." Enditem

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