Kisangani — On Thursday 21 August 2008, UN medals were awarded to the MONUC Senegalese contingent in Kisangani, as well as thirteen military observers. The ceremony took place in the presence of the political and civil authorities of Orientale province and those of MONUC.

General Bashir Farruk, interim MONUC Eastern Division brigade chief was also in attendance. Colonel Papa Malick Diaw, commander of MONUC's sector II, said that the ceremony "was testimony of the noble UN mission of peacekeeping, but also to the commitment of Senegal to international peace."

He continued his speech by explaining why "460 men of the Senegalese battalion worked tirelessly in Orientale province, drawing from previous experience with the support of the civil and military authorities but also the local population."

"In addition to protecting the staff and installations of MONUC, the contingent is also involved in joint operations with the DRC Armed Forces," Col. Diaw added.

He concluded his speech by reaffirming "in the name of the Chief of Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, the engagement of our country to the international community, in the service of peacekeeping."

General Bashir Farruk also insisted on the importance of the engagement of the Blue Helmets in the search for peace throughout the world.

MONUC Kisangani head of office Ivan Timnev decorated thirteen military observers who are currently posted in Orientale Province.

The ceremony ended with a parade to the music of the mixed brass band of the Congolese National Police and the DRC Armed Forces based in Kisangani.