Pakistani Battalion serving with the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was on Sunday decorated with UN peacekeeping medals in recognition of their meritorious service to the people of Abyei.
Addressing the peacekeepers, UNISFA Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, applauded officers and soldiers of the Pakistani Battalion for continually serving with resilience and unwavering mettle in UNISFA despite the vulnerabilities and challenges of climatic conditions in Abyei Box.
General Sawyerr also commended the Pakistani Contingent Commander, Lt. Col. Abdul Manan
and his Battalion for the Professionalism and dedication exhibited in the implementation of UNISFA’s mandate and for bringing peace and stability to their area of responsibility.
The Ag. Head of Mission commended the Battalion for their ability to pacify and mediate a riotous situation in the Diffra oil field, curbing illegal weapons trafficking in the Abyei Box and embarking on creative CIMIC activities that have helped win the hearts and minds of the locals positively towards UNISFA.
In his remarks, the Pakistani Battalion Commander of UNISFA, Lt Col Abdul Manan, thanked the UNISFA Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander for believing in him by giving him the opportunity to contribute to the mission’s mandate implementation.
He presented the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander with the Battalion’s coveted regimental colour. The Regimental Colour, according to Col. Manan, is the best gift he and his entire troops can give to a senior officer who has led the mission with such leadership qualities and mentorship. General Sawyer said the colour was a rare and privileged gift which he will forever cherish.
The Medal Parade was attended by the Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen Abu Syed Mohammod Bakir Senior Management Leaders of UNISFA, Sector Commanders, Force Headquarters staff officers, Contingent Commanders, Military and Police officers.
Oil-rich Abyei has been contested since South Sudan gained independence in July 2011. Sudan and South Sudan are yet to agree on the mapping of the border.
UNISFA was deployed in June 2011 to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and protect the area from incursions by armed groups.