Rwanda peacekeepers in Darfur with fellow UN military contingents from other countries, civilian components, United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and Sudan Government officials, celebrated on 29th May 2016 the International Day of UN peacekeepers. The day was celebrated under the theme Honouring our Heroes.
The ceremony held at UNAMID headquarters, Elfesher Super Camp, was marked by troops & police parade to honor peacekeepers that lost their lives in line of duties.
The UNAMID officials that included the UN Secretary General Deputy Joint Special Representative in Darfur, in charge of political affairs, Kingsley Mamabolo and the UNAMID Force Commander, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi laid flowers on peacekeepers memorial site that serves also as exhibition site for peacekeeping activities.
In his remarks, the Governor of Northern Darfur state, Osman Mohamed Yusuf Kibir, appreciated UNAMID for promoting cooperation between the Government of Soudan and the United Nations by providing the best services to the people of Darfur.
In his message, the guest of honour, the UN Secretary General Deputy Joint Special Representative in Darfur, in charge of political affairs Kingsley Mamabolo Jeremiah on behalf of the UN secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, said that the world and international community commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to honor and pay tribute to peacekeepers who have lost their lives while in service.
Since the first UN peacekeeping mission was established in 1948 until April this year, 3400 military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives in the service of peace. Today, more than 105,000 uniformed personnel from 124 Troop and Police Contributing Countries serve under the blue flag, along with 18,000 civilian staff.
Rwanda’s current contribution to peacekeeping missions is 6,107 peacekeepers comprised of Military and Civilian Police. Rwanda is ranked the 5th largest contributor of peacekeepers worldwide.
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