History of Santos Cruz in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 1, 2025

Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz is a Brazilian general who served as the Force Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2013 to 2015. Appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, he was later replaced by Derrick Mbuyiselo Mgwebi. He also held a political position in Brazil as the Minister-Secretary of Government under President Jair Bolsonaro from January to June 2019.

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Full Timeline

1921: Grandfather's emigration from Portugal

In 1921, Santos Cruz's grandfather emigrated from Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal, at the age of 22.

June 1952: Birth of Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz

Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz was born in June 1952.

Others born on this day/year

1974: Graduation from Military Academy of Agulhas Negras

Santos Cruz graduated from the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras in 1974.

January 2007: Served as Force Commander of MINUSTAH

In January 2007, Santos Cruz served as Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

April 2009: End of term as Force Commander of MINUSTAH

In April 2009, Santos Cruz's term as Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) ended.

April 2011: Served as Deputy Commander for Land Operations

In April 2011, Santos Cruz served as Deputy Commander for Land Operations of the Brazilian Army.

March 2013: End of term as Deputy Commander for Land Operations

In March 2013, Santos Cruz's term as Deputy Commander for Land Operations of the Brazilian Army ended.

April 2013: Command of MONUSCO

In April 2013, Santos Cruz received command of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

May 2013: Appointment as Force Commander of MONUSCO

In May 2013, Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz was appointed as Force Commander of the United Nations' peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

December 2015: Replaced as Force Commander of MONUSCO

In December 2015, Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz was replaced by Derrick Mbuyiselo Mgwebi as Force Commander of the United Nations' peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

January 2019: Nomination as Minister-Secretary of Government of Brazil

In January 2019, Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz was nominated by President Jair Bolsonaro as Minister-Secretary of Government of Brazil.

June 2019: End of term as Minister-Secretary of Government of Brazil

In June 2019, Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz's term as Minister-Secretary of Government of Brazil ended.

August 2022: Appointed to lead UN fact-finding mission

In August 2022, Santos Cruz was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to lead the United Nations fact-finding mission regarding the Olenivka prison massacre, together with Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir and Issoufou Yacouba.