ECOWAS Commission president lauds force commander for stabilising mission

The Special Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Guinea Bissau Hamidou Boly has commended the country’s Force Commander (FC) ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission, Al-Hassan Grema for laying a hallmark foundation for the mission.

He made the commendation during a Send-off Dinner in honour of the Force Commander at Hala Hotel Restaurant in Bissau.

Boly also expressed ECOWAS gratitude to the FC for his effort in ensuring integration of the ECOWAS forces with the National Defence and Security Forces of the Republic of Guinea Bissau within a short period of the mission’s deployment.

He further attributed the successes recorded by the mission to Mr Grema’s diplomatic approach and inter-personal relationship with the mission stakeholders. He said the FC has earned a good reputation for the mission in the eyes of Guinean people.

Earlier during his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Republic of Guinea Bissau – Nicolou do Santos appreciated the contribution of ESSMGB under General Grema for ensuring peace and stability especially during the recent parliamentary elections and transition period in Guinea Bissau.

As a way of expressing his appreciation, the FC described the moment as bittersweet, having in mind parting with people he considers a family. He therefore promised to maintain the relationship he had established during his tour of duty in Guinea Bissau which he considered as a valuable asset that would be cherished forever.

The Send-off Dinner was attended by highly placed personalities that include Nigerian and Senegalese ambassadors to the Republic of Guinea Bissau, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Commander Land Forces and Chief of the Air Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau.

Other dignitaries present were Defence Attachés and senior officers from Guinea Bissau military and the mission.