The United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in DR Congo has commemorated United Nations International Peacekeepers’ Day with a short but impressive wreath laying and flag hoisting parade. 

The ceremony took place on Monday 29 May 2017 at the Force Headquarters in Kinshasa, DR Congo. The purpose of commemorating the Day was in two-folds: to celebrate all men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage; and also to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of working for peace. 

Personnel for the parade were drawn from the 13th Ghanaian Battalion and the Egyptian Formed Police Unit, forming two contingents with the 13th Ghanaian Battalion Band in attendance. The Special Representative of the Secretary General, His Excellency Mr Maman Sambo Sidikou; the Representative of the Government of DR Congo, His Excellency Mr Alexi Tambwe Mwamba; Ghana’s Ambassador to DR Congo, His Excellency Mr Annim Joseph and the Ghanaian Contingent Commander, Brigadier General INA Ayeetey, together with other dignitaries witnessed the wreath laying ceremony. 

His Excellency Mr Maman Sambo Sidikou 

Delivering his speech on behalf of the United Nations Secretary General, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, His Excellency Mr Maman Sambo Sidikou thanked all military and civilian staff of United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in DR Congo for their discipline, professionalism and loyalty as well as their individual and collective efforts in the maintenance of peace in DR Congo. He laid a wreath on behalf of the United Nations Secretary General, United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in DR Congo and the United Nations. 

The Representative of the Government of DR Congo, His Excellency Mr Alexi Tambwe Mwamba, also expressed Government’s appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in DR Congo, is making to ensure that the threat to civilians is reduced and that protection of civilians is realised. He also laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of DR Congo.

The International Day of Peacekeepers is observed every year. The United Nations General Assembly Revolution 57/129 adopted the day on 11 December 2002 after the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and the Government of Ukraine made a request to the General Assembly. It was first celebrated in May 2003 after its adoption.  The Peacekeepers’ Day also marks the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Truce and Supervision Organisation to monitor the first ever United Nations peacekeeping mission, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. 

Personnel from the 13th Ghanaian Battalion and the Egyptian Formed Police Unit

Globally, the United Nations Day of Peacekeepers is also commemorated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City culminating in the presentation of speeches by the President of the General Assembly and the Secretary General. It also serves as a period of reflection regarding the state of United Nations peacekeeping missions and the continued necessity of their work.