Fifty-three Rwandan police serving under the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operations in Darfur (UNAMID) in El Fasher, Sudan, were yesterday decorated with medals in recognition of the professionalism and gallant service in carrying out their duties of bringing peace and stability in Darfur.

The event was held alongside the celebrations of the 22nd liberation of Rwanda marked under the theme; "Together We Prosper”.

Presiding over the event, the United Nations Joint Special representative Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, said, "From this moment onwards, all medal recipients are recognised as true ambassadors of peace all over the world. Your efforts towards restoration of peace in Darfur will not go unrecognised.”

He went on to recognise the commitment of medal recipients for their hard work towards the attainment of sustainable peace in Darfur. 

Uhomoibhi further paid tribute to men and women who lost their lives while in the line of duty in pursuit for peace for the people of Sudan.

He acknowledged the sacrifice of families back home and thanked them in absentia, saying that; "without their moral support, peacekeepers could not have achieved a lot.”

During the same event, military officers of Rwandan Battalion 47 serving under the same mission were also decorated.

Present at the medal awarding event was UNAMID Force Commander Lt. Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Police Commissioner Presilla Makotse and other dignitaries.

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