UN honors 753 Zambian peacekeepers in CAR

…with the United Nations Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) recognising Zambian armed forces for their professionalism, commitment to civilian protection, respect for the UN mandate

By NATION REPORTER

THE United Nations has awarded medals to 753 Zambian peacekeepers deployed in the Central African Republic (CAR), praising them for their outstanding service in promoting peace, protecting civilians, and supporting state authority in one of the region’s most volatile areas.
The contingent, which includes more than 300 women, received the United Nations Medal on July 28, 2025, in Birao, Vakaga Prefecture, where they have been stationed since August 2024 under the UN’s Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
This is according to a statement issued yesterday by the United Nations Information Centre in Lusaka.
Describing the Zambian troops as disciplined and highly effective, MINUSCA’s Deputy Force Commander, Major General Maychell Asmi, said their presence had made a tangible impact on both peace and development efforts in the region.
“Their exemplary professionalism and unwavering respect for MINUSCA’s mandate have contributed substantially to the overall success of the Mission,” General Asmi said.
The Zambians have conducted more than 50 joint patrols with the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) to deter armed groups, reassure civilians, and prevent insecurity in the prefecture’s four sub-regions.
Their duties have included securing voter registration exercises, escorting humanitarian and electoral convoys, and facilitating the safe delivery of aid to isolated and conflict-prone communities such as Gordil, Tissifongoro, Am-Dafock, and Matala – many of which border Sudan and Chad.
Their efforts have been widely praised by local leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
“Thanks to the patrols they conduct along the roads, many people can now move freely between villages to buy and resell agro-pastoral products at the Birao market,” said Amagoumach Machouwa, a trader at Birao Central Market.
In Am-Dafock, which previously lived under constant threat from cross-border armed groups, the Zambian presence has helped restore a sense of normalcy.
“Before, these groups would burst into our village and rob us. Since the deployment of MINUSCA and FACA, we can finally sleep peacefully. We live in peace,” said Célestin Tamia, a group leader in Am-Dafock.
In addition to their security role, the Zambian contingent has undertaken a number of development and civic initiatives.
These include the construction of administrative buildings in Ouanda-Djallé and Tiringoulou, a gendarmerie and youth center in Am-Dafock, and a municipal stadium in Birao.
“Since the base opened in Am-Dafock, MINUSCA has helped redeploy the FACA and teachers. I am also pleased that they contributed to the construction of our gendarmerie,” said Abdel Kader Ramadan, sub-prefect of Am-Dafock.
The peacekeepers have also conducted over 20 home medical consultations, spearheaded awareness campaigns against gender-based violence, helped clean public places, trained women in plastic recycling, and organized sports activities for youth.
The recognition by the UN underscores Zambia’s continued contribution to global peacekeeping efforts and highlights the professionalism of its armed forces in high-risk environments.