The camp of the Egyptian Formed Police Unit came alive on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Kinshasa with a ceremony marked by solemnity and pride. In front of an audience that included UN officials and peacekeepers, 180 UN police officers, including 22 women, deployed since April 2025 within MONUSCO, were awarded the United Nations Peace Medal, symbolizing their commitment to serving peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alongside them, 33 Individual Police Officers (IPOs) from 12 countries (Burkina Faso, Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Niger, Peru, Romania, Russia, Chad, and Senegal) also received this distinction, recognizing their essential role in strengthening the capacity of the Congolese National Police and in protecting civilians.
Present at the ceremony, Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, praised the contribution of all these individuals to peace.
“More than a tradition, this event symbolized the international community’s trust in their commitment and professionalism. The distinctions received reflect their essential contribution to peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where, under the United Nations flag, they assume the responsibility of protecting civilians, stabilizing unstable areas, and strengthening the capacity of the national police. Through their daily efforts, these officers create safer spaces for communities, enhance civilian protection, and inspire confidence, thereby reaffirming the collective determination to defend peace and security in the country,” said Vivian van de Perre.
In her speech, the Head of the MONUSCO Police Component, Mamouna Ouedraogo, praised the professionalism and resilience of the Egyptian unit and the IPOs.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the medal awarded to UN police officers was not merely a symbol, but an expression of their merit, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to peace.
She also highlighted that this distinction, engraved on the reverse side of each medal, pays tribute to the dedication and professionalism of these ambassadors of their institutions and countries, who serve under the United Nations banner to protect the population.
For his part, the commander of the Egyptian FPU highlighted Egypt’s commitment to UN peace operations in the DRC, marked by civilian protection, emergency management, cooperation with the Congolese police, and humanitarian actions, while also emphasizing the growing participation of women.
The event, marked by solemnity and recognition, thus highlighted the crucial role of the MONUSCO police component in peacebuilding, once again confirming that behind every medal lies a story of courage, solidarity, and dedication.
