Some 140 elements of the Formed Police Unit of the Mauritanian Contingent (Mau-FPU), deployed in the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) since 8 August 2014, were decorated with the United Nations Medal on Wednesday, 6 May 2015 in Bouaké.



The ceremony took place in the presence of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire and chief of UNOCI, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, the Mauritanian Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, His Excellency El Vilaly Mohamed Abd Allah, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mauritanian National Guard, Colonel Khatar Med M' barek and the Prefect of the Gbêke Region, Mr. Konin Aka. UNOCI Force Commander, General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed and the Chief of United Nations Police, Commissioner Vianey Nshimiyimana also took part in the ceremony.



Deployed for the first time in a UN peacekeeping mission, the duties of the Unit of the Mauritanian National Guard include maintaining order in support of the Ivorian security forces in Bouaké. The members of Mau-FPU have become known for the professionalism and devotion to their duties.



« You have shown your devotion to carrying out your duties and your professionalism. You deserve to be encouraged and thanked. Your assistance to the people in Côte d'Ivoire, especially through your humanitarian actions should be commended », the Special Representative told the medal recipients, adding that it was important for peacekeepers to strictly observe the United Nations Code of Conduct.



A parade carried by Mau-FPU was hugely appreciated by the large crowd which attended the ceremony.



The first contingent of the Mauritanian Police, which is due to leave Côte d'Ivoire in July 2015, has carried out several humanitarian action for the benefit of local people including free medical consultations and distribution of potable water.