Liberia’s President George Manneh Weah has paid tribute to UNMIL police and military personnel, who have ended their tour of duty in the country.
At an original strength of 15,000, the UN peacekeepers were first deployed in Liberia back in 2003 after the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed by the various forces in the Liberian civil war.
President Weah expressed appreciation to the departing UNMIL servicemen and women during a colorful farewell ceremony held at the Mission’s Pan African Plaza Headquarters in Monrovia on Monday.
“On a personal note, as President of the Republic of Liberia, when you return to your families, please secretly or openly say President Weah extends his thanks and gratitude for being so patient while you were away,” the Liberian leader noted.
The Liberia leader hailed the outgoing UNMIL service men and women for their sacrifices and bravery in sustaining the peace in Liberia.
President Weah further wished the departing servicemen and women a blessed family reunion upon return to their individual families.
He pledged his Government unflinching support and cooperation to the UNMIL Mission during their stay in Liberia.
The mandate of UNMIL’s mission to Liberia finally comes to an end in March this year.
The farewell program for police and military personnel was witnessed by some members of the Cabinet including Foreign Minister, Gbehzongar Findley, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Nathaniel Farlo McGill, the Doyen and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the President of ECOWAS, Representatives of specialized UN Agencies, among others, according to an Executive Mansion press release.