The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA, Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza, chaired the UN Medal Parade ceremonies in recognition of the Bhutan and Portuguese Quick Reaction Forces contribution to the implementation of the MINUSCA’s mandate and for their performance in discharging their duties and responsibilities.

“Every single of your actions and acts of solidarity participated in the steps that the Mission is taking daily, in collaboration with the government, to build a sustainable peace in the CAR…” SRSG Rugwabiza’ words apply to both forces.  The 2^nd Bhutan QRF, formed of 180 peacekeepers, including 18 females, was deployed within MINUSCA in November 2023. The 15^th Portuguese QRF reaches a strength of 215 peacekeepers, including 14 women, and is in CAR since May 2024.

During the ceremonies held on 10 and 11 October 2024 in Bangui, the Special Representative praised the individual and collective efforts of these peacekeepers and reminded some key missions conducted in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Speaking  to the Bhutan QRF, she highlighted their deployment to Zemio (south-east) in April 2024, as part of a large operation to restore security in Haut-Mbomou, as the civilians were under attack by armed elements from UPC and local Azande militia: “Your 66 days presence in Zemio was instrumental to curb down violence in the area and complemented the parallel deployment of MINUSCA forces in Bambouti, in support of the Restoration of State Authority and the Protection of civilians”. Among other accomplishments by Bhutan QRF are the recent patrols to secure the capital, as a key component of the Joint Task Force of Bangui, as well as frequent escorts to convoys up to Sibut (center).

As for the Portuguese QRF, SRSG Rugwabiza highlighted, amongst other missions, a two-month operation in Damara, together with the Burundian Battalion, in order to increase MINUSCA Force strength and coverage in face of increasing banditry by armed elements in the area: “This translated into  area domination patrols which successfully discourage armed elements activities in  Ombella M’Poko prefecture, for the immediate benefit of the protection of civilians and freedom of movements”. “Altogether, brothers and sisters of arms, you lived a unique and rewarding experience, overcoming all challenges and difficulties with bravery to protect civilians and support progressive stabilization in the CAR, alongside your extended family within the Force and in the Central African security forces”, the Head of Mission added.

Aside the security operations, these forces were also commended for other contributions i.e., the partnership with the CAR Security and Defense Forces and the protection of the environment. The Portuguese QRF secured the preparations and the ceremony of the Independence Day in Camp Kassai, Bagui, alongside national counterparts. “This important celebration witnessed - for the second year in a row - MINUSCA forces parading alongside the Central African Defense Forces. This provided a clear illustration and symbol of the Mission’s dedication to work side by side with Central African forces in support of the extension of State authority”, SRSG Rugwabiza said.

For its part, Bhutan QRF contributed to MINUSCA’s Environmental footprint through “commendable initiatives and good practice, the Force should seek to expand and multiply to better preseve the CAR environment and further support the Mission legacy”, the SRSG underlined. During the World Environment Day 2024, the Force was awarded with regards to “Solid Waste Management”, “Extensive Tree Plantation” and “Environment Compliance Certificate”.

For the SRSG, the medals received “represent a well-deserved recognition of your highest professionalism, as well as the continued responsibility to uphold the United Nations values of solidarity and humanity in the CAR, and in the world”.

Bhutan QRF Commander, Colonel Tashi Togbyel, and Portuguese QRF Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Henrique José Caetano Carvalho thanked the Head of MINUSCA and participants, among them representatives of the CAR Armed Forces and EUTM and expressed their privilege for “this opportunity of serving together”.

“Today, we complete 11 months of our tour of duty and as part of the Joint Task Force Bangui, it has always been our endeavor to carry out all tasks assigned to us with utmost diligence and thoroughness”, Col. Tashi Togbyel said. 

“We contribute to a greater goal, a collective dream of a better future for this Central African people. Every life we ​​touch, every story we hear, every smile we receive, reminds us all why we are here. I hope that someday, in a near future, we can say that we contributed to a better Central African Republic and to his people”, Lt-Col. added.

MINUSCA’s medal was adopted in April 2014 to award military, police and correctional service personnel in recognition of duties performed in the service of peace in the Mission.