UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations (UN) Friday successfully closed its mission in Liberia after nearly 15 years of supporting the West African nation in the transition to peace and democracy, a process in which Pakistani troops and civilian personnel played a crucial role.
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was deployed in 2003 to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the conclusion of a brutal civil war. At its peak, it consisted of up to 15,000 United Nations military personnel from and 1,115 police officers, along with a civilian component, from at least 10 troop-contributing countries.
Over the years, Pakistan, as UNMIL’s backbone, provided infantry battalions, a signal company, engineering companies, military observers, police officers as well as a level-II hospital. From 2005 to 2013, Pakistan contributed more than 2,000 peacekeepers to UNMIL per annum, with a high of 3,400 in 2007 and 2008.
The bulk of the Pakistani troops returned home in 2015. The medical unit was wound up today.
UN Peacekeeping Operations Assistant Secretary General Bintou Keita visited the Pakistani Hospital in Starbase which will be repatriated on March 31. “At the occasion of the closure of UNMIL, I am proud to acknowledge the excellent work done by PAKMED and all the men and women who have served peace for Liberia,” she said.
Although the mission is leaving, 17 UN funds and agencies will remain in Liberia to focus on developing and improving the lives of Liberian people.
On behalf of the Liberian authorities, President Weah said, “UN has positively impacted the lives of Liberians as well as every fabric of the Liberian Society since its arrival in 2003.”
He acknowledged the hope the United Nations has given Liberians adding, “Liberia has to protect and sustain the peace.” He expressed his commitment towards ensuring it happens.