PACIFIC ISLANDS / MONGOLIA UNAMID POLICE OFFICERS JOINT MEDAL PARADE

The multicultural diversity of UN Assistance Mission (UNAMID) in Darfur was displayed on the occasion of the Pacific Islands and Mongolia UNPOL Medals Parade in recognition of their peacekeeping service late last month.

Fijian Police officers make up 13 of the 23 UNAMID serving officers, with 2 from Mongolia, three from Samoa and five from the Solomon Police.

It was also an auspicious occasion as Fiji’s Ambassador to Ethopia and the African Union Mosese Tikoitoga was present to mark the achievements of the officers. The occasion officiated by the Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Bintu Keita also recognised the first Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Peacekeeping Contingent to be deployed to Darfur or any other United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.

Fijian Contingent Commander Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tomasi Baba, on behalf of the medal recipients, expressed their gratitude to the UN in recognising the work of the officers for their dedication to duty, professionalism and their contribution towards the overall achievement of UNAMID mission and the sacrificial giving of life for the people of Darfur.

Mr Tikoitoga said it was a humbling experience to see Pacific peacekeepers from Small Island Nations honoured for their contribution to the work of peace in Darfur. Mrs Keita said she was inspired by the presentations of the universality of the UN and was inspired by the Fiji Ambassador words about one family and same values as depicted in this parade. A tabua was presented to thank the UN followed by two lively “meke” performances in which the three Pacific Contingents performed led by the Northern Darfur Sector Commander, Superintendent Vilisi Waqavesi.