On Peacekeepers Day, United Nations officials expressed concern about deteriorating political and security conditions affecting peacekeeping operations.
At a press encounter today (26 May), peacekeeping Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said, “peacekeeping continues to face significant challenges, including a deteriorating political and security situation. I believe that the vast majority of our peacekeeping operations have a deteriorated political and security environment, they're facing the growing threat of disinformation, misinformation, escalating global political tensions, evolving threats in the environment in which they operate.”
Lacroix also voiced concern about the end of the French-led counter-insurgency Operation Barkhane in Mali.
He said, “we are about to lose this support, and we are therefore looking at ways in which we can adjust to these changes.”
Lacroix said the United Nations’ Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) “is already reallocating capacities as a result of the departure of Barkhane, but also as a result of the evolving security situation in Mali.”
After a wreath-laying ceremony for fallen peacekeepers this morning, Secretary-General António Guterres said, “our peacekeepers press on. They work tirelessly in the toughest of conditions. They adapt to rapidly evolving situations on the ground. And they constantly innovate to protect the most vulnerable – while representing our diverse global community. They advance the greatest mission of all, peace, and I am so proud of their work.”
Guterres led a medal ceremony honouring peacekeepers, including Late Captain Abdelrazakh Hamit Bahar of Chad, who was named as the recipient of United Nations Peacekeeping’s highest award, the “Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage”.
Captain Abdelrazakh - who joined the UN Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in January 2021 - was deployed at the Aguelhok Super Camp in the northeast.
A Commendation Letter from the UN Secretary-General will also be conferred upon three other peacekeepers in recognition of their courage in the line of duty.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was awarded posthumously to 117 UN peacekeepers fallen in the line of duty during the past year.
Photo Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten
