By Maj. Clarence Jallah Korvah
TIMBUKTU, MALI – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) eighth contingent in Mali under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) conducted its Medal Day Parade at the Integrated Super Camp (ISC), Sector West Timbuktu, Mali on 28 April 2023.
The ceremony serves to acknowledge the quality of work and length of service of the United Nations by awarding peacekeepers with Medals and Certificates. Eligibility for the award requires an individual to serve a minimum of ninety (90) consecutive days in service of the United Nations. The Liberian contingent which currently serves as a Base Defense Unit (LBDU) was inducted into the mission area on 30 August 2022 and 19 September 2022 respectively.
The Contingent Commander, Maj. Clarence Jallah Korvah congratulated his Contingent members over the conferment with the coveted UN Medals and thank the High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for the level of support rendered while serving as Peacekeepers in MINUSMA.
The Chief of Personnel MINUSMA Force Headquarters, and AFL Senior National Representative (SNR), Colonel Davidson F. Forleh represented the AFL. During his remark, congratulated the soldiers and hailed them for their professionalism in representing their families, the Army, and the Republic of Liberia. Colonel Forleh highlighted the efforts made by African Nations during the Liberian civil war in the restoration of peace. He stated that Liberian involvement in peacekeeping in Mali is a way of paying back as a beneficiary. He further thanked the Chief of Staff and the Military Staff Officers of Sector West Command for their leadership role towards the LBDU. The Colonel also appraised the leadership of the LBDU for being so exceptional as the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Liberia is cognizant of the happening within the unit.
The sector Commander, Brigadier General Joel Pankabo Biwanlo of Burkina Faso, served as the Special Guest of Honor. During his remarks, He congratulated the soldiers for their service, discipline, and professionalism on the mission for a well-deserved UN Peacekeeping Medal. He went on to endorse the LBDU for substantiating itself as the best of the best in the Integrated Super Camp. He further noted that Liberia Peacekeepers have continually served with untainted resilience and unwavering mettle in MINUSMA despite the vulnerabilities and challenging climatic conditions in Mali. He also added that the Contingent has Base Defense influence on the mission.
During his remark, General Biwango made a special recognition of Sergeant Rebecca M. Faijue for her outstanding role and contribution towards Sector West’s mission success. Sergeant Faijue is the Gender Focal Point of the Liberian Contingent, but she also works closely with the Gender Officer of Sector West.
During the Ceremony, Captain Duredoh Freeman George served as the Commander of Troop while 1st Lieutenant Levi Sarwee Koon and 2nd Lieutenant Alfred Tamu Diggs II served as First and Second Platoon Commanders respectively.
since 2013, Liberia has contributed a little over a thousand Peacekeepers.
The Medal Day ceremony was graced by Cell Chiefs, Contingent Commanders, Senior Officers, and UN civilian staff within the Integrated Super Camp of Sector West, Timbuktu.
