MONROVIA, Montserrado – After several extensions to its mission, the United Nations Mission in Liberia has finally closed its peace keeping operations.

UNMIL succeeded the ECOWAS peace keeping mission following the adoption of a U.N. Security Council Resolution 1509 adopted in September 2003.

President George Weah has commended the mission for its numerous interventions in fostering and maintaining the peace the country now enjoys.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader made the commendations during a media outing with the U.N. deputy secretary general, Amina Mohammed, and her delegation, in Monrovia last Thursday.

Mohammed and her delegation arrived in the country on Wednesday as guests of the government and to participate in ceremonies marking the successful completion of UNMIL’s mandate on March 31.

A Foreign Ministry release disclosed that the high-powered U.N. delegation would also participate in a high-level meeting to initiate the design of Liberia’s national development agenda for 2018 to 2024 with stakeholder and officials of the government.

The delegation also participated in a ceremony marking the official turning-over of the UNMIL radio station to the ECOWAS Commission on Friday as part of the mission’s closing activities.

Meanwhile, the president noted that UNMIL’s contributions in maintaining the nation’s peace has positively impacted the lives of Liberians.

“President Weah commended the gallantry of the men and women in blue helmets for ensuring peace and stability in Liberia,” the executive mansion release stated.

Weah noted the significance of the visit of Mohammed, especially at such crucial time of the end of the peacekeeping mission in the country.

“He acknowledged the hope the United Nations has given Liberians adding, Liberia has to protect and sustain the peace. He expressed his commitment towards ensuring it happens,” the release also said.

The release also said the U.N. deputy secretary general congratulated Weah on his election and noted that after 15 years of strengthening the democracy and ensuring peace, the U.N. remains committed to helping his administration succeed.

She said the organization was willing to assist the government achieve its Pro-Poor Agenda.

Mohammed also praised Weah for his outreach to other regional leaders but emphasized the need for more international outreach to solicit assistance for agenda.

After previous extensions of the mission’s mandate in the country, UNMIL completed the transfer of security responsibilities to Liberian authorities in June last year. The move was in fulfillment of the U.N. security council resolution 2239, adopted on 17 September 2015.

UNMIL has since continued its gradual disengagement from country, which is being completed this month.

Featured photo courtesy of the Executive Mansion