The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has presented a medal of honour to families of 16 Ethiopian peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving with the peacekeeping mission since its founding.

UNISFA Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Zewdu Kiros received the newly created Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage on behalf of the families.

“These peacekeepers also laid down their lives while answering the call for service to humanity; we can do them no better service than recognize their contribution and to continue working for peace in Abyei – the cause they believed in and died for,” said Kiros.

Peacekeepers in Abyei also marked the international day of peacekeerps with a volleyball competition and a five kilometer race in the male and female categories involving various units of the Ethiopians army serving in the mission. The day also coincided with the 25^th Ethiopian Victory Day, marking the downfall of the Deng regime.

The day was further marked by a medal parade ceremony for the 13^th Ethiopian Battalion, Utility Helicopter Unit as well as Headquarters Staff Officers, Military Observers and UN Police. Both winners of the 5 kilometer race as well those of the volley-ball finals between the 12^th Ethiopian Battalion and 4^th Round Mechanized Unit were presented with UNISFA sports medals and trophies.

UNISFA Force Commander and Acting Head of Mission, Major General Hassen Ebrahim Musa, congratulated all those who received medals for conducting themselves in a disciplined and professional manner to qualify for the medals. He also reiterated UNISFA’s commitment to its mandated task of ensuring that the Abyei area remains free of arms and that the community is well protected.