Brasília – Brazilian military officer Fernando Rodrigues Goulart will be the new commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah), replacing major general Luiz Ramos. The United Nations’ (UN) secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has confirmed Goulart’s name as head of mission.
Ki-moon praised Ramos for his “his dedication, professionalism and leadership were critical to the United Nations stabilization efforts in Haiti.” In a statement, the UN also claimed that Goulart has had a “distinguished military career, holding a number of senior command and staff positions.”
The new Minustah commander was formerly a Military Observer of the United Nations Operation in Mozambique (Onumoz), in 1993, and more recently he was a Sector Commander in Nepal. From 2008 to 2010, he worked at the UN’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as a liaison officer in the Europe and Latin America division.
Minustah was established in 2004 and its UN troops have always been headed by a Brazilian officer. Besides, Brazil has always contributed by sending military personnel to integrate the peace forces. Thus far, no deadline has been set for foreign military officers to withdraw from Haiti. The international community is collaborating with the administration of the Haitian president, Michel Martelly, to rebuild the country.
*With information from the national news agency of Portugal, Lusa. Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
