The Uruguayan Battalion IV has been recipients of the UN Medals

The Uruguayan Battalion IV has been recipients of the UN Medals. Photo MONUSCO/Force

27 Aug 2018

The Uruguayan Battalion IV has been recipients of the UN Medals

Martha Biongo

 

Goma, the 25th August 2018 - The Uruguayan Battalion IV has been happy recipients of the UN Medals. Presiding during the occasion MONUSCO Force Commander Lt General Elias Martins Rodriguez Filho reiterated that the medal award was in recognition of the meritorious conduct and services rendered by the United Nations Peacekeepers in the challenging mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He added that he fully recognizes the huge sacrifice the URUBAT Military personnel makes daily for the benefit of peace security and stability of the Country and he is mindful of the work done and the fact they have left the wives, husbands, children and loved ones to contribute to bring peace to the Congolese people who have been facing insecurity for so many years.

The Force Commander used the occasion to remind the Congolese population that MONUSCO Military component will continue working closely with their partners in supporting the government of DRC, in particular with FARDC and PNC, to enhance the protection of civilians and neutralize armed groups which remain a threat to the security, as well as to contribute to the stabilization of the country and the Great Lakes region.

 Lt General Elias Martins Rodriguez Filho said he was honored to award the Medals to the URUBAT contingent with UN Medal on a very special day the 25 of August which is also their National Day.

Speaking earlier the URUBAT Commander Colonel CARLOS FRACHELLE said that since 1952 Uruguay has sent almost 50.000 Peacekeepers to different peacekeeping missions with 35 of them paying ultimate sacrifice where 13 lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Non the less he mentioned that the mission is dear to them because they sent Military Observers to monitor the withdrawal of forces as per the Lusaka protocol and after that, on March 29, 2001, the armed contingent arrived in Goma.

It is worth noting that the URUBAT Soldiers are deployed in many parts of the country including Kalemie, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Manono, Kananga, Bunia and Butembo.

Through the year the commander said the contingent grew to comprise a Mechanized Infantry Battalion, a guard unit, a Riverine unit an Engineering company, an Aviation helicopter unit plus Staff Officers and Military Observers.

After several reductions their contingent comprises almost 900 women and men.

However ,786 Medals were awarded during the parade, but some of the recipients have been decorated for the 10th time.

Finalizing the Parade, the recipients marched past to honor the authorities.