Abeche, 15 March 2010 --In a symbolic but impressive show, MINURCAT celebrated in Abeche on 15 March 2010 its first anniversary since taking over from EUFOR. The occasion also served to mark the two years of MINURCAT's substantive work since the establishment of the mission, and especially since the completion of the mission's deployment in eastern Chad.

Several personalities attended the ceremony, including members of Government and the diplomatic corps, Chadian military commanders at the national and local level, elected officials, and Representatives of UN agencies. Mr. Victor Angelo, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), travelled to Abeche to preside over the ceremony. There was a large number of MINURCAT military and civilian staff, most notably Major General El Hadji Mouhamadou Kandji, Force Commander, and Ms. Rima Salah, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG).

The ceremony consisted of three main activities, including a military parade followed by a speech from the SRSG, a photo display featuring MINURCAT work, and a cocktail. The DSRSG made a speech to pay tribute to the SRSG for his two years of service as the Head of MINURCAT. Mr. Angelo will retire from the UN at the end of the month.

The newly-appointed Minister of Communication and the SRSG took turns to address the audience. The Minister thanked MINURCAT for its work for the Chadian people, while the SRSG expressed satisfaction about his two years of work as Head of the Mission.

As the SRSG prepares to leave Chad, the Force Commander asked him to make a last tour of honor in front of the troops to bid them farewell.