Rabat – Hundreds of Moroccan military members have been decorated with medals for their work in Central Africa as part of the local UN Mission. In a ceremony on August 20, 752 peacekeepers and 3 military observers received medals from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The local UN mission is tasked with monitoring the “security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications.”
Morocco’s “blue helmets” in central Africa make up the local Moroccan battalion (MORBATT), which assists in local peacekeeping, security, infrastructure development, and medical aid provision. The United Nations Information Center in Rabat (UNIC) announced the news about the large ceremony on Saturday, August 20.
Moroccan Peacekeepers providing medical care in Muhindo, in North-Kivu. Photo: MONUSCO.
Hundreds of Moroccan peacekeepers were decorated at their base in Bangassou, a strategic location on the border between the Central African Republic and the DR Congo.
“You have worked tirelessly to ensure the fulfillment of the mandate of MINUSCA and that of the Kingdom of Morocco, as a member of the United Nations,” stated the Deputy Force Commander of MINUSCA, Major General Paulo Emanuel Maia Pereira. He added: “You have contributed to helping the people of the Central African Republic to maintain a stable, secure and peaceful environment.”
Major General Pereira highlighted Moroccan efforts in local infrastructure development that had been well received by the local populations of the prefectures of Mboumou and Haut-Mboumou. As the Moroccan peacekeepers wrap up their tour of duty as part of MINUSCA, their efforts as well as their “courage and professionalism” were recognized by their UN commander.
