The Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Lieutenant General Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes, commended the Kenyan troops of the 5th Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 5) for their professionalism and operational dominance during his first visit to the contingent.
During the visit, the Force Commander praised the contingent’s patrol regime, noting that their day and night operations—conducted both unilaterally and alongside other MONUSCO contingents and local security forces—have significantly curtailed freedom of movement and action of illegal armed groups in the region. The visit underscored the critical role the Kenyan contingent plays in the protection of civilians as mandated by MONUSCO.
Lieutenant General Gomes highlighted the long-standing reputation of the Kenya Defence Forces, citing their decades of service in peacekeeping missions since the 1980s. He expressed full confidence in the contingent’s capacity to handle threats within the area of operation, particularly as a component of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
“From diverse peacekeeping missions that Kenyan troops have previously been deployed for since the 1980s, the world knows that the Kenya Defence Forces is a uniquely professional force,” said Lieutenant General Gomes, adding that he had no doubt about the contingent’s capacity and capabilities to effectively deal with any threat in the area of operation.
The Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Celestine Papa, expressed gratitude for the Force Commander’s operational guidance and support, reaffirming the troops’ readiness. He highlighted the contingent’s rapid reaction capabilities, which ensure timely detection and response to threats against civilian populations.
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