Two hundred and eighty Egyptian peacekeepers, including 30 women, from the 10th Mechanized Infantry Peacekeeping Battalion were awarded theUnited Nations Medal on 20 August in Bangui. This award recognizes their contribution to the implementation of the mandate of Minusca, particularly through patrols and security operations, as well as the protection of civilians in the capital of the Central African Republic.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Interim Head of MINUSCA, Ebrima Ceesay, the Force Commander, Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone, and the Chief of Staff of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), General Zéphirin Mamadou.
Officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, members of the Egyptian battalion contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the Central African Republic despite ongoing challenges. Their commitment is part of Egypt’s continued participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic since 2016.
A Comprehensive Operational Record Supporting Security and the Electoral Process
Since their deployment to Bangui in October 2025, the peacekeepers have conducted more than 4,320 patrols as part of various missions. These activities have included security patrols aimed at enhancing the protection of sensitive locations, patrols to secure electoral operations in Bangui and its surrounding areas, as well as escort and security missions related to the disposal of obsolete ammunition at the PK39 firing range.
According to Ebrima Ceesay, the Egyptian peacekeepers have exemplified the values of solidarity and humanity: “I would like to commend you for your service and for the successful discharge of your duties in a volatile environment. You have fulfilled your assigned responsibilities in support of the civilian population and humanitarian actors through numerous robust patrols in Bangui and beyond. Your actions have reassured local communities and contributed to freedom of movement.”
Beyond their operational and security responsibilities, the Egyptian peacekeepers provided significant support to electoral activities, particularly by ensuring the safe transportation and deployment of electoral materials throughout the capital and its surrounding areas.
Civil-Military Activities and Community Engagement
Civil-military cooperation activities also constitute an important component of their engagement. These activities include the distribution of water and medicines to vulnerable populations, as well as awareness-raising initiatives on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). Such efforts contribute to increasing awareness among local communities and facilitate the reporting of concerns through appropriate mechanisms.
Captain Omar El God, Military Adviser to the Egyptian Battalion, welcomed the recognition, stating: “I am honored to receive the United Nations medal after serving the Central African people, who still need help. We love the Central African people and are happy to be able to support them in a spirit of brotherhood.”
Present in the Central African Republic since 2016 under the United Nations flag, Egypt has been an active contributor to peacekeeping efforts. Today, its contingent within MINUSCA comprises 600 military personnel, including 30 women
Noura Oualot
