Angolan military force departs for Lesotho on peacekeeping mission

LUANDA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A military contingent comprised of 160 Angolan mixed forces left Luanda Thursday for Lesotho to join a peace mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Addressing the troops in the Luanda military base before departing, Defense Minister Salviano Cerqueira underlined the efforts of Angola in maintaining peace in the region and the continent.

The Commander of the Angolan Mission, Brigadier Sabino Sara, also said that the mission is of preventive character "aiming at supporting the local authorities to overcome this period of instability."

The military situation in the small southern African country has deteriorated since last September, when the local army commander, General Khoantle Motsomotso, was shot dead by rival military officers. Enditem