On 19 September 2017, the United Nations peace medals were bestowed on 562 men and women of the Second Round Border Security Force Protection Battalion of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) under the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan.

UNISFA Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander (Ag HoM and FC) Maj Gen Tesfay Gidey Hailemichael lauded the military leaders and members of the battalion for their relentless efforts to carry-out their duties. “The Peace Medals presented today, is the United Nations gratitude and appreciation to you all for your commitment, sacrifice and hard work,” The Ag HoM and FC said during the medal parade.

Leading the awardees was Brig Gen Gebrekidan Yebiyo, JBVMM Chief, who during his speech, commended the bravery and dedication of JBVMM peacekeepers.

The Ag HoM and FC also highlighted during the ceremony that the Ethiopian Peacekeepers have excelled in their role as loyal, dedicated and committed peacekeepers in monitoring, verification, and investigation of the demilitarized border zone between Sudan and South Sudan. He acknowledged the efforts of the JBVMM in conducting intensive patrols in tough conditions, as well as its engagement communities and their leaders in order to bring peace in the area, to help UNISFA achieve its mandate.

More photos of the medal day on UNISFA Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/unisfa/posts/830040960516858