Bunia, 27 April 2012 – On Saturday, 27 April 2012 in Bunia, the Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), General Chander Prakash, chaired the decoration ceremony of Blue Helmets of the Bangladeshi contingent and military observers based in Ituri.

In all, 365 Blue Helmets from different contingents received the United Nations Medal for Special Service under the MONUSCO mandate whose priority is the protection of civilians. The Blue Helmets performed military demonstrations to show their talents and know-how to the guests.

MONUSCO head of office in Ituri, Ladjouzi M'Hand, also seized this opportunity to invite the local population to dissociate from rebel armed groups and to confide only in regular defence and security forces. He also assured the population that MONUSCO will fulfil its responsibilities in protecting all civilians in line with its mandate.

Amadou Maïga/ MONUSCO