Kenyan troops serving under the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF) within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) today extended a gesture of goodwill to the local community by donating sports equipment to Matembo FC, a grassroots football team based in, Matembo Location, Beni territory in North Kivu Province.
The donated items included footballs, team uniforms and goal nets all aimed at enhancing the capacity and morale of the local team. During the handover, the Kenyan peacekeepers engaged in a friendly football match with Matembo FC, which ended in a spirited 1-1 draw.
The initiative forms part of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) program, a vital component of MONUSCO’s mission to win the hearts and minds of local populations and foster peaceful coexistence between peacekeepers and host communities.
Speaking as he handed over the sports items, the KENQRF Contingent Commander, Major Barring Saratuki noted that there is no better way to create a bond between us members of MONUSCO from Kenya and the local community of Matembo than through engagement of the youths in sports.
“We are privileged to work closely with the local citizenry especially in activities that will dissuade them from engaging in illegal activities. Sports, especially football, is a universal language. Through this, we are not only promoting peace but also giving youth a constructive outlet,” he remarked.
His sentiments were echoed by the Community Engagement Team Leader Major Reuben Kyambo who pointed out that KENQRF would continue to work with the local community through Civil Military Cooperation activities.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chief of Matembo Location, Mr. Jacques Manoku expressed gratitude for the continuous support the local football team and the community at large has continued to receive from the peacekeepers.
“KENQRF hosted this team in March this year at their camp in which they gave us footballs and we are happy for this follow-up assistance,” he said. He further urged KENQRF and MONUSCO at large to continue in the same spirit of offering assistance to the citizenry as it builds a conducive environment in which collective pursuit of peace can thrive.
“This kind of partnership helps us feel seen and supported,” said the team coach. “Our team now has more hope and motivation to keep pursuing our skills and talents.”
This comes in the wake of increased patrols and surveillance by the Kenyan troops in their area of operation that is geared towards achieving MONUSCO’s mandate, key of which is protection of civilians.
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