United Nations Peacekeepers in Birao commemorated the International Day of Peacekeepers on 29 May with a march past by MINUSCA Zambian contingent and Central African Republic army (FACA) troops, under the theme ‘’Women in peacekeeping – A key to peace’’. The United Nations’ flag was raised and all the soldiers posthumously honoured  civilians, police and military peacekeepers who lost their lives in the search of peace in various UN peacekeeping missions around the globe.

Sub-prefect Zachariah Ramadan, notables, government and UN officials including MINUSCA Head of office, Bessan Vikou, attended the event at MINUSCA base in Birao, where all barrier measures against COVID-19 where fully respected. 

Sub-prefect Ramadan commended the peacekeepers for their role in restoring peace and stability in Central African Republic. He said that since its deployment in the country in 2014, MINUSCA has been working tirelessly for the stabilization of the country. He also hailed the Zambian contingent, particularly the Female Engagement Team, for upholding its mandate of protection of civilians in Vakaga prefecture in general and Birao in particular. 

While calling for the United Nations to increase the number of women serving as peacekeepers, because « female peacekeepers were crucial in long-lasting peace processes », he encouraged the women peacekeepers at honour to continue their usual interaction with the local women, which has deepened the relationship and trust between peacekeepers and the local population, as he said « it is through such networking that exchange of cultural diversity and economic development thrived».

Agreeing with him, contingent Commander Lt Col Teddy Tembo noted that performance in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations has greatly improved following the introduction of Female Engagement Teams. « Increased numbers of women peacekeepers have led to protection responses that were more credible and seem to meet the needs of all members of the local communities », he recognized.

From his side, Head of office Bessan Vikou praised the commitment of the peacekeepers in Birao, commending contingent’s intervention in all conflicts that since occurred in the Vakaga region, « particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic era where peacekeepers are facing one of their greatest challenges which involves coping with the pandemic whilst continuing to support and protect the people in the host countries ».