UNMIL’s new Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Leonard Muriuki Ngondi, says the mission’s transition and the gradual hand-over of security responsibilities to Liberian security agencies is a “positive move” that empowers Liberians.

“UNMIL rightsizing is a positive move because UNMIL troops will eventually hand over the security responsibilities of Liberia to Liberian authorities,” he said in an interview with UNMIL Today. He added that the “maturity” gained by Liberians during nine years of peace could enable them handle their own security with an “expectation that they continue to cooperate with UNMIL in order to take over the destiny of their own country in the absence of UNMIL.” He assured Liberians that troop withdrawal will leave no security vacuum as Liberian security personnel will occupy positions of UNMIL troops.

The new Force Commander toured various regions of Liberia in January to acquaint himself with the work of the contingents. He reiterated the mission’s commitment to help build the capacity of government institutions as the mission gradually transitions responsibility to Liberian security authorities.

On a one-day working visit to Sector A1, Bomi county, Maj.-Gen. Ngondi interacted with the Nigerian Battalion, Military Observers, Nepal Formed Police Unit, Pakistan Engineering Contingent -18 , UNPOL and civilian staff members in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, and the Nigerian Battalion -30 D-COY in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County. He called on personnel to continue to work hard with professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, to maintain the good image of UNMIL and ensure the success of the mission.