Rwanda peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were decorated with UN Peacekeeping medals in recognition for the professionalism and gallant service in carrying out their duties of bringing peace and stability in South Sudan.

The medal decoration ceremony was held on Friday at UNMISS Rwanbatt1 Base Camp in Juba Tomping.

The awarding ceremony was presided over by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG), David Shearer, who hailed Rwanda peacekeepers for the hard work, courage and dedication on the ground while providing security and protection to the community in South Sudan.

"I would like to recognize the commendable efforts of everyone here on parade and honour your dedi,cated service here in South Sudan. Your efforts and professionalism are highly regarded and you make a valuable contribution to UNMISS.

Wear these medals as the proud and worthy ambassadors of your country and of the United Nations that you are,” the SRSG told the Rwandan peacekeepers.

In his remarks, the Rwanbatt1 Commanding Officer, Lt Col Vianney Cuba, stated that the medals bestowed on them will be an extra-ordinary motivation to their renewed commitment to fulfillment of the tasks ahead, "to bring peace to brothers and sisters in South Sudan particularly in Area of Operation/Sector South.”

He expressed his profound gratitude for the endless and immeasurable cooperation and support extended to Rwanbatt-1 by UNMISS Force HQ and Sector South leadership that make the unit day-to-day operations a success.

Other UNMISS dignitaries, among them the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Frank Kamanzi Mushyo attended the ceremony.

The colorful event was also marked by Rwanbatt-1 military parade and culture troop performance.