Central African Republic: 280 Egyptian Blue Helmets decorated with the United Nations medal in Bangui

Two hundred and eighty Egyptian Blue Helmets from the 10th Mechanized Infantry Peacekeeping Battalion, including 30 women, received the United Nations medal in Bangui on August 20 for their contribution to the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The ceremony took place in the presence of Ebrima Ceesay, Acting Head of MINUSCA, Lieutenant-General Humphrey Nyone, Force Commander, and General Zéphirin Mamadou, Chief of Staff of the Central African Armed Forces. Since their deployment in Bangui in October 2025, these Blue Helmets have conducted more than 4,320 patrols, including securing sensitive points, supporting electoral operations in the capital and its surroundings, as well as escort missions during the disposal of expired ammunition at the PK39 firing range. They have ensured the secure delivery of electoral materials and carried out civil-military actions: distribution of water and medicines, and awareness-raising on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. "Your actions have reassured the local population and contributed to freedom of movement," declared Ebrima Ceesay. Captain Omar El God, the battalion's military adviser, welcomed this recognition: "We love the Central African people and are happy to be able to support them in a spirit of fraternity". Egypt, present in the Central African Republic under a UN mandate since 2016, currently deploys a contingent of 600 military personnel, including 30 women, within MINUSCA. This distinction comes in a sensitive electoral context where the security of the process remains a major issue for the country's stability and illustrates the growing role of African contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, as MINUSCA must balance the gradual reduction of its troop levels with the maintenance of security against armed groups still...