LAAYOUNE, The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has welcomed Pakistan’s Major General Javed Ahmad as its new Force Commander.
The mission held a military parade at its headquarters in Laayoune to mark his appointment.
Senior mission officials and military and civilian staff attended the ceremony.
The participants included Chief of Mission Support (CMS) Ron Misti Commando of Malawi and Force Chief of Staff (FCOS) Captain (N) A.S.A.D. Qaim.
MINURSO Welcomes New Force Commander
During their speeches, the CMS and FCOS welcomed Major General Javed Ahmad to the mission.
They highlighted the key role of the military component in supporting the MINURSO mandate.
The officials also praised Major General Ahmad’s broad professional experience.
They expressed confidence in his ability to lead the mission’s military component.
Javed Ahmad Reaffirms Commitment to UN Principles
Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Javed Ahmad said he felt honoured to take on the new responsibility.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the cause of peace under the principles of the UN Charter.
In addition, he said he plans to visit different MINURSO team sites.
He also wants to meet mission representatives working at those locations.
According to Ahmad, these visits will help him better understand the mission’s work.
They will also give him a clearer view of the challenges faced by MINURSO teams.
The appointment adds another senior Pakistani military officer to the UN’s peacekeeping efforts in the region.
