Peacekeepers of 18th Moroccan Battalion receive UN Medal for their contribution to peace in Côte d'Ivoire

Officers, sub officers and non-commissioned soldiers from the 18th Moroccan Contingent of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Wednesday, 25 September 2013, in Duekoué, situated 502 km west of Abidjan, received the United Nations Medal for their commitment to peace and reconciliation in the west of the country.

The peacekeepers were decorated by UNOCI's Sector West Commander, Brigadier-General Anisuzzaman Bhuiyan, the fourth deputy mayor of Duekoué, Richmond Niagne, and the Moroccan Battalion Commander, Colonel Mohammed Laaroui.

In his address to the recipients, the Sector West Commander praised the professionalism and humanity of the Moroccan soldiers. Brigadier-General Anisuzzaman Bhuiyan also told them to be proud of the UN Medal they had received.

For his part, Colonel Mohammed Laaroui congratulated his men for the mission they had accomplished with devotion. He then reassured guests of his men's availability to continue to work for peace and expressed the hope that the situation will soon become normal in Côte d'Ivoire.

A military parade, a performance by a "Woyo" group and the handing out of presents to guests marked the end of the ceremony which was attended by military and civilian personnel of UNOCI, the secretary-general of Guiglo prefecture, Aoulou Assamoi Marc, religious authorities and the security forces of Côte d'Ivoire.

A total of 724 officers, sub officers and non-commissioned soldiers based in Duekoué, Guiglo, Toulepleu and Taï were decorated during the ceremony.