Kinshasa, February 17th, 2022 (CPA).-The President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and of the National Police (PNC), Felix Tshisekedi, called to order the defense and security of the Republic, during the ceremony of exchange of wishes organized, on Thursday in the hemicycle of the Palace of the Nation, with a hundred elements of FARDC, PNC, National Guards and the National Service.
The Head of State, while praising the victories of our defense and security forces in various theaters of operations in the eastern part of the country, noted however several cases of indiscipline as well as mismanagement of funds and materials noted at all levels of command, all echelons combined, before promising to crack down.
« I will be unceremoniously towards crooked and recalcitrant officers and offenders or repeat offenders will suffer the rigors of the law », insisted President Felix Tshisekedi, addressing « both military and police officials, at whatever level they operate”.
The Supreme Commander of FARDC and PNC subsequently urged the soldiers at the front to be more courageous and self-sacrificing, reiterated his commitment to spare no effort to improve, even slightly, the working conditions of the forces Defense and Security, before finally reminding everyone of the noble duty to defend the Fatherland.
Admiration for the National Park Rangers and the National Service
Moreover, the Head of State Felix Tshisekedi did not fail to express his admiration for the sacrifices made by the Corps of National Park Guards, sometimes at the cost of their lives, for the protection of wildlife and the flora which are the pride of DRC.
The Guarantor of the nation also said that he was very proud of the National Service for the work done, before expressing his availability to meet his needs as well as his concerns, with a view to providing efficient support to the action initiated in particular in the transformation and social reintegration of unemployed young people « Kulunas ».
Previously, FARDC Chief of Staff, General Celestin Mbala Munsese, reported on the performance recorded in recent months by the national army in its crusade against the negative forces operating in the east of the country. He reiterated the determination of FARDC to spare no effort to restore peace throughout the national territory and particularly in the east of the country.
Renewal of loyalty to the Supreme Commander
To close the ceremony, FARDC Spokesman, General Leon Richard Kasonga, on behalf of the Armed Forces and the National Police, renewed the loyalty of the troops to the Supreme Commander, the Head of State Felix Tshisekedi.
The troops and their leaders promise, through this act, to work only for the interest of the Nation, the defense of the integrity of the national territory as well as the protection of people and their property.
They also assure the Head of State that no action of seduction, nor any campaign of intoxication will betray their civic commitment and their determination to remain apolitical, republican, and legalistic, for the defense of the common cause.
« We will in no way allow ourselves to be subjugated, nor diverted from our sacred mission by sellers of illusions, in search of glory, whose primary objective does not tally with your vision centered on the happiness of the Congolese people », said the general Kasonga to President Félix Tshisekedi, on behalf of his comrades-in-arms, reiterating their unwavering fidelity and loyalty.
Support
At the beginning of the ceremony, the President of the Republic, introduced by FARDC Spokesman, General Leon Richard Kasonga, asked for assistance to observe a minute of silence, in memory of the fallen soldiers. , while extending its deepest condolences to their respective families.
Senior and junior officers, non-commissioned officers of FARDC and PNC, officials of the National Guards and the National Service, all validly represented, took part in this demonstration.
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