SADC DELEGATION ON FAMILIAZATION TOUR TO EASTERN DRC – GOMA 2ND

DECEMBER 2013

(This article focuses much on the SADC delegation visit. Hence much information on USG visit was reported

by GOMA MONUSCO HQ PIO).

The Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) delegation led by TANKI MOTHAE Lt Col (Rtd)

Director of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation accompanied by five SADC Generals,

11 Colonels and 2 Majors visited GOMA on a three day familiazation tour.

The delegation arrived at GOMA Airport at around 1045hrs on 2nd December, 2013 from KINSHASA by air

on a UN flight. The same day also the USG for Peacekeeping Operations Mr Adjoint and SRSG and Head of

MONUSCO, Martin Kobler arrived from KINSHASA and ware accorded with Guard of Honor mounted by

MONUSCO forces both from FIB and NKB. Members of FIB HQs staff, MONUSCO staff and the Force

Commander welcomed both delegations on their arrival.

USG for Peacekeeping Operations Mr Adjoint and TANKI MOTHAE Lt Col (Rtd)

USG inspect Guard of Hour SADC Generals welcomed by FIB Staff members at GOMA Airport

SADC DELEGATION VISITED FIB HQ IN GOMA TOWN

The SADC delegation first visited the FIB HQs before paid a courtesy to MONUSCO Force Commander and

toured KIBATI Heights. At around 021500hrs the delegation met the Ag FIB Commander Col Patrick DUBE

from SANDF and staff members of FIB HQs where they were given a thorough briefing on current security

situation after the defeat of disbanded M23 rebels, future operations and challenges encountered during

offensive operation, FIB supported DRC Government forces FARDC fighting disbanded M23 rebels within

FIB Area of Operation.

SADC DELEGATION AT FIB HQS IN GOMA TOWN

SADC DELEGATION VISITED FHQ CELL EAST IN GOMA TOWN

At 021630hr DEC 2013 the delegation visited the MONUSCO Force Headquarters Cell East in GOMA town

where they met MONUSCO Force Commander, General Carlos Alberto Dos Santos Cruz. The delegation was

briefed by the FC on Eastern DRC Current Security Situation after FARDC backed by MONUSCO FIB

defeated disbanded M23 rebels. The FC also narrated all the three major battles fought in support of FARDC

against the disbanded M23 in areas of MUTAHO, KIBATI Heights and KIBUMBA-KIWANJA-

BUNAGANA-TSHANZU and further presented his future plans on how to take on the rest of the IAGs

operating within DRC.

SADC DELEGATION VISIT TO FHQ EAST CELL MEET MONUSCO FC IN GOMA TOWN

SADC delegation was very much pleased and

recommended the professional and skillful job well done by

the FC in leading the MONUSCO troops in particular the

FIB during the period fighting and eradication of the

disbanded M23, in support of the DRC Government forces.

The delegation also assured the Force Commander that

SADC will keep on supporting the effort of the

MONUSCO to bring peace and stability and restore law

and order in Eastern DRC. Pictures captured during the

visit of SADC delegation and previous pictures of FC and

FIB Comd.

PICTURES SHOWING the MONUSCO FC, FIB COMD, FARDC GEN AND COL MAMADOU BEFORE AND AFTER ACTIONS NEUTRALISING M23

SADC DELEGATION VISITED KIBATI HEIGHTS EASTERN OF GOMA TOWN

At 021745hrs DEC 2013, SADC delegation went to visit the KIBATI Heights Triple Towers where the

ferocious battle took place between FARDC against the disbanded M23 rebels. The KIBATI battle almost

took 10 days of fighting before the FARDC completely neutralized the M23 positions. The success of this

battle was much influenced by the indirect fire support both air assault and Arty provided by FIB. At KIBATI

Heights FIB HQ Military Public Information Officer, Major Pethias Mdoka Malawi narrated to the delegation

what actually transpired and the involvement of FIB troops during the battle.

FIB HQ MPIO BRIEFING SADC DELEGATION ON KIBATI BATTLE

AFTERMATHS OF KIBATI HEIGHTS

SADC DELEGATION VISITED JIC IN GOMA TOWN

On 3rd

December 2013 at 0900hrs the delegation went to visit the Joint Intelligence Cell (JIC) Headquarters

based in GOMA to share information on security issues within SADC and Great Lakes Regions.

SADC DELEGATION WITNESSED THE LAUNCH OF MONUSCO UAV AT GOMA AIR PORT

USG AND SADC DELEGATION ON FIB MEDAL PARADE AT SAKE MOL 03 DEC 2013

On 3rd

December, 2013 the SADC delegation concluded their tour by attending the FIB medal parade which

was hosted by the USG for Peacekeeping Operations Mr Adjoint and SRSG and Head of MONUSCO, Martin

Kobler. The delegation left for KINSHASA the following day on 4 December, 2013 at around 041400hrs.

SADC DELEGATION ATTENDING FIB MEDAL PARADE

USG PRESENTING A MEDAL TANZBATT FEMALE SOLDIER

SADC delegation visit to GOMA coverage compiled by:

Pethias MDOKA

Major

FIB HQ MPIO GOMA- Eastern DRC

Cell No. 0818907461

Email: monusco-fib-soi@un.org or mdokapbg@yahoo.co.uk

5 December 2013