The Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General in Cote d'Ivoire, Arnauld Akodjenou on Friday 9 May 2014 awarded medals of honour to troops of the Benin Battalion of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in a ceremony attended by a Benin military delegation led by Admiral Denis Hounsou Gbessemelau, Chief of Staff of the Benin Armed Forces and the Benin ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Mr. Daouda Wabi.



Mr. Akodjenou expressed the gratitude of the UN Secretary-General for the accomplishments of the BeninBatt in the service of peace within the framework of UNOCI. "Benin is recognized by the UN as a model of stability in Africa. That is why, thanks to a noble partnership with the UN, Benin today plays an important role in peacekeeping operations throughout the world," he noted.

In each of the crisis situation on the continent where it intervenes, he said, the Benin contingent fully and unreservedly assumes its commitment to serve the cause of peace with devotedness, rigour and abnegation. Mr. Akodjenou lauded the courage, professionalism and abnegation demonstrated by the Benin contingent in the execution of its tasks.

"Your efforts and military feat for the restoration of peace in the west of Cote d'Ivoire, in Guiglo and Toulepleu at the height of the post electoral crisis were unanimously hailed. At that time, you risked your lives to protect the civilian population. UNOCI can only be grateful to you. I would like toI salute your unrelenting efforts to contribute to the security of the civilian population of Abidjan, Divo and other areas on a daily basis," he stressed.



Cote d'Ivoire, he said has entered the phase of development and reconstruction. "The population, more than ever before, looks forward to a peaceful environment in order to go about their daily business. We can only guarantee the security of the civilian population by collaboration and cooperation with the Ivorian Armed Forces, Gendarmerie and Police. These joint efforts should continue in harmony in order to meet the security challenges more efficiently," he said.



The Deputy Special Representative expressed his faith in the Benin Battalion to live up to expectation in `the exercise of their duties.

For his part, the Commander of BeninBatt, Colonel Pierre Anani said the medal award to his troops was a mark of confidence on the part of the UN Secretary-General and an expression of gratitude for the work the battalion has accomplished in the service of peace.