MINUSCA paid tribute to three peacekeepers who passed away recently in a ceremony held at the Mission’s headquarters on 7 November 2019. 

38-year-old Staff Sergeant Alex Musanda Mudenda from Zambia was deployed to the Central African Republic on 18 June 2019 as an engineer. His colleagues describe him as the ultimate professional who was dedicated to duty and was hardworking. He died after a short illness and is survived by a wife and three children.

First Class Saad Zghari was part of the 9^th Armored Squadron Group of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. He had been working for MINUSCA since 24 May 2018, having answered the call of his country to participate in UN Mission work to help establish lasting peace in the Central African Republic. His contingent commander remembers him as a brilliant soldier, very much disciplined, respectful and loyal to his duties to protect civilians. He passed away on 19 June 2019 at just 24 years of age.

Bangladeshi national Private Katikul Islam was deployed as a peacekeeper on 22 November 2018. Described as the epitome of devotion and professionalism, he sacrificed his life for the noble cause of peace in the Central African Republic. His dedication to his duties will remain as source of inspiration for other peacekeepers. He was a married father of two.

During the ceremony, the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mankeur Ndiaye, hailed the three peacekeepers for bravely facing the risks involved in the maintenance of peace and the protection of civilians which have marked their lives at the heart of MINUSCA. 

“Our deepest condolences to their families as well as to the Governments and peoples of their great nations, for the sacrifice made by their sons in the service of MINUSCA’s mandate and the ideals of the United Nations,” he said.