Senegalese Defence Minister Tasks ECOWAS Troops On Peace In Guinea-Bissau

The Senegalese Minister of Defence, General Birame Diop (rtd), on Thursday, September 19, paid a courtesy visit to the Economic Community of West African States Stabilisation Support Mission in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), located in Bissau City.

A statement on Monday by Yahaya Nasir Kabara, spokesperson for the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), stated that General Diop was accompanied on the visit by the Guinean Minister of Defence, Mr. Dionysio Cabi, and the Senegalese Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau, Ambassador Musa, alongside other senior officials.

Kabara noted that they were received by the Force Commander, Brigadier General Edward Odinya Ojabo, together with his staff officers and contingent commanders.

Following a briefing on the mission’s activities, achievements, and challenges, General Diop commended the Force Commander for what he described as a “very comprehensive and enlightening presentation.”

He praised the performance of the Force and congratulated its leadership for the successes recorded so far.

The Minister urged the troops to continue to uphold teamwork, unity, and mutual respect, stressing that solidarity must remain a core value of the mission.

“Diversity should be embraced as a source of strength,” he noted, and charged the personnel to maintain discipline at all levels and demonstrate tolerance in their interactions.

General Diop further highlighted the importance of respecting Guinea-Bissau’s authorities and working in close cooperation with local security agencies in the execution of their duties.

He reminded the Force of the hardships the people of Guinea-Bissau have endured in the past, and called on them to remain supportive and to avoid actions that could exacerbate the people’s suffering.

He stressed that the image and reputation of ECOWAS and its contributing countries must be safeguarded at all times.