• Photo by Isaac Billy

Juba, South Sudan – August 28, 2025

In a heartfelt ceremony in Juba, South Sudan, 191 peacekeepers from the Bangladeshi Force Marine Unit, alongside contingents from 10 other nations, were awarded United Nations medals for their exemplary service in fostering peace in the region. Their tireless efforts have been pivotal in securing vital rivers and waterways, ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, protecting civilians, and supporting local communities in building sustainable capacities.

The ceremony, held under the auspices of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), celebrated the peacekeepers’ dedication to stabilizing a nation grappling with conflict and humanitarian challenges. The Bangladeshi Force Marine Unit, in particular, has played a critical role in safeguarding key waterways, which serve as lifelines for delivering essential supplies to remote and vulnerable communities.

Captain (Colonel) Gazi Golam Morshed, the Bangladeshi Contingent Commander, spoke passionately about the significance of the honor. “These medals symbolize the United Nations’ deep appreciation for their committed service to keeping the communities we serve safe and building hope for a better, more peaceful future,” he said.

The peacekeepers’ contributions extend beyond security. By empowering national counterparts, they have helped lay the foundation for sustainable development and self-reliance within South Sudanese communities. Their work has been instrumental in creating a safer environment for civilians and facilitating humanitarian operations in a region marked by instability.

The ceremony was attended by UNMISS officials, local leaders, and representatives from the contributing nations, all of whom expressed gratitude for the peacekeepers’ sacrifices and unwavering commitment. The event underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing South Sudan’s complex challenges.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan