New commander of UN mission in DR Congo takes office

The new commander of the UN Mission for Stabilisation of Congo (MONUSCO), Gen. Derrick Mgwebi, on Tuesday, officially took over his office at the mission’s headquarters in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
MONUSCO’s Spokesman, Felix Bass, said the 59-year-old South African officer replaces Brazilian Carlos Dos- Santos-Cruz, who ended his mission towards the end of last year after serving for two years.
He said Mgwebi who has a military experience of 35 years, would himself define his priorities at the helm of MONUSCO.
The spokesman said the commander would continue with the work that has already been achieved, by Gen. Dos- Santos-Cruz, with the support and advise his deputy, Gen. Jean Baillaud.
Bass continued that Mgwebi who was recently named to the position by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, led UN forces in Burundi between 2004 and 2006. (Xinhua/NAN)
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