DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) Guest of Honor, the Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania, Hon Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, concluded 79th CISM General Assembly and Congress after six days of intensive meetings, bringing together 300 delegates from 82 countries. The final day began with the General Assembly, featuring a comprehensive agenda focused on organizational governance and the election of new board members.

The opening address by CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim set the tone, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the diversity of perspectives within CISM. The session proceeded with a roll call by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, followed by a report from the Commission for the Verification of Credentials. The Assembly validated the 79th CISM General Assembly, approved the agenda, and ratified the minutes of the 78th Assembly.

CISM President also added: “In closing, let us take the guidelines and the spirit of the 79th Congress and General Assembly back to our countries. By doing so, we can make a meaningful impact and work towards restoring CISM's esteemed status. I kindly request everyone to stand, look at each other, and give a huge, warm round of applause for the hard work and commitment shown by all of us and the organizing committee of the Tanzania Delegation.”

Key decisions were made, including the approval of Cambodia as the 141st CISM Member Nation. Several elections and re-elections were conducted, resulting in the following notable outcomes: Major-General Maikano Abdullahi (Nigeria) was re-elected as Vice-President Africa, Colonel Sega Sissoko (Mali) was re-elected as a Board of Directors (BoD) Member for Africa, and Air Vice Marshal Simon Nyowani (Zimbabwe) was co-opted as a BoD Member for Africa. Colonel Steven Rosso (USA) was re-elected as a BoD Member for America. In Asia, Senior Colonel Ke Jiao (China) and Lieutenant-Colonel Ghulam Shabbir Anjum (Pakistan) were elected as a BoD Member, while Senior Colonel Oh Yeong Dae (South Korea) was co-opted as a BoD Member.

The assembly also included heartfelt farewells to the CISM Board of Directors Members, PCSC, and Delegates who are leaving the headquarters. In his closing address, CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim acknowledged their contributions and dedication, expressing gratitude for their service to the organization.

he day’s proceedings culminated in a grand closing ceremony, featuring notable figures such as CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, Honorable Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, Member of Parliament and Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Honorable Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Minister of Defence and National Service. The event was also attended by Members of the Board of Directors, General Jacob John Mkunda, Chief of the Tanzanian People’s Defence Forces, Honorary Albert Chalamila, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mrs. Neema Msitha, Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council, Major-General Francis Mbindi, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee and Judge Advocate General, PCSC’s, Chiefs of Delegation and delegates, and CISM HQ Staff.

A symbolic moment of the ceremony was the handover of the CISM flag from Brigadier-General Said Hamis Said of Tanzania to Brigadier Thanuja Godewatta of Sri Lanka, marking Sri Lanka as the host for the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress in 2025.