Chief of Army Staff General Rajendra Chhetri embarked on an official one-week visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan on Monday.

He leads a four-member team. General Chhetri will inspect Nepal Army troops deployed as part of the United Nations’ Peacekeeping Forces, popularly known as Blue Helmets.

The General will first inspect the peace mission in Congo and meet with Mission Acting Commander Major General Bernard Commins, the Central Sector Commander Brig General Vivek Tyagi and Brigade Commander of Inturi Brigade Brig General Ihteshamus Samad Choudhury. 

General Chhetri will address the Blue Helmets after inspecting the situation, operation management and resources in Nepal Army contingents, according to a statement issued by Directorate of Public Relations of the Army (DPR). 

He will then leave for South Sudan where he will meet with Chief of Army Staffs James Ajonga Mawut Unguec Ajonga. Civil war has ravaged South Sudan and the deployed United Nations Peacekeeping Force has the task to control the situation.

In Sudan, General Chhetri will meet with Special Representatives of the UN Secretary General David Shearer and Force Commander Lieutenant General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi.

“Lieutenant Gen Purna Chandra Thapa will take charge of Nepal Army until CoAS Chhetri returns on April 9,” the DPR said.