APA-Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) Côte d’Ivoire’s Army Chief, Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia on New Year’s eve gave an update on repatriating Ivorian troops from Mali.
According to Lieutenant Doumbia, the Ivorian battalion deployed in Timbuktu, northern Mali, has completed its repatriation “without incident and with the collaboration of the Malian Armed Forces.”
“This battalion, which demonstrated professionalism during its stay, was awarded the prize for the best contingent in its sector of responsibility,” Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia said.
Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia also congratulated his peers on their latest appointments. Major General Dem Aly, former Army Chief of Staff, has been promoted to Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff.
He has been replaced by Brigadier General Cherif Ousmane. General Lassina Doumbia confided that he will exhort his colleagues to always be efficient in action, to enable the army to achieve its objectives, one of which remains regaining its reputation.
Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia announced that since December 21, some 180 Ivorian peacekeepers, including 11 women, have been deployed in the Central African Republic for one year.
He congratulated all those who had been part of the contingent, praising their “good attitude” which had prevailed in the choice of soldiers for the deployment of a rapid intervention force for the United Nations Mission in Central Africa (MINUSCA).
During the press conference, General Lassina Doumbia gave an update on the security situation of Operation Mirador 2023, aimed at ensuring the safety of the population. According to him, there is nothing to report overall, which should reassure the population.
“All security measures have been taken so that Ivorians and all those who have chosen to stay or reside in Côte d’Ivoire can go about their business in peace,” Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia said.
A total of 17,300 security personnel have been deployed throughout Côte d’Ivoire since November 29, 2023, to ensure the security of the festive season. This will continue until January 05, 2024, one week before the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AfCON 2023).
AP/fss/as/APA