Ethiopian Peacekeepers in South Sudan Honored with UN Medal for Service

Ethiopian peacekeepers in South Sudan were awarded the United Nations Medal for their service in the conflict-affected country. The ceremony in Yambio honored frontline troops and support staff, including mechanics like Major Tigist Ferede, who highlighted the importance of their work in maintaining vehicles for safe missions. Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian paid tribute to peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty, emphasizing the sacrifices made to protect civilians and promote stability in South Sudan.

Ethiopian peacekeepers serving in South Sudan have been formally awarded the United Nations Medal in recognition of their unwavering dedication and service in the conflict-affected nation. The ceremony, held in the town of Yambio, honored the contributions of all members of the Ethiopian battalion, from those on the front lines to the support staff, including mechanics, logisticians, and other personnel responsible for ensuring that mission equipment remains fully operational. This recognition highlights the critical role of every member of the battalion in supporting the broader United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and sustaining efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
Major Tigist Ferede, one of the battalion’s mechanics, spoke about her experience, reflecting on over two decades of military service and her participation in multiple UN missions. Her first mission took her to Sudan, where she faced harsh weather conditions and challenging interactions with local communities. However, she noted that her current assignment in South Sudan has been markedly different, with a more welcoming environment and conducive weather. She emphasized the importance of her work, explaining that every vehicle she repairs carries hope for both her team and the local population. “When the vehicles move safely, I know I’ve done my part for peace,” she said. She also highlighted the cultural and regional connections, stating that as fellow Africans, Ethiopians and South Sudanese share many similarities, making engagement with local communities easier and more meaningful.
The medal presentation ceremony drew attendance from both UN and local officials, who came to honor the peacekeepers’ commitment to stabilizing a nation long affected by conflict. Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian paid tribute to the peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, recalling that 142 Ethiopian soldiers have lost their lives while serving under the United Nations flag. He underscored that the sacrifices of these soldiers should not be forgotten and extended his recognition to all UN personnel, including Blue Helmets and civilian staff, who work tirelessly to uphold global peace.
For Major Ferede and her fellow mechanics, their daily contributions—repairing engines, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring mission readiness—are integral to fulfilling the battalion’s overarching mission of protecting civilians and building peace in South Sudan. Each repaired vehicle enables soldiers to carry out patrols, humanitarian operations, and peacekeeping activities safely and efficiently, directly supporting the United Nations’ objectives. The ceremony and medal symbolize not only recognition of individual and collective dedication but also the broader commitment of Ethiopia and its personnel to international peacekeeping, solidarity with neighboring African nations, and the pursuit of stability in a region marked by decades of conflict and humanitarian challenges.