Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander (Ag HoM/FC) of the United Nations Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) – Major General (Maj Gen) Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer paid a working visit to commiserate with the Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT) over the death of a Ghanaian Peacekeeper.
He also interacted with the soldiers and commended them, on Friday 2 February 2024, for the enthusiasm and professionalism exhibited over the period, as he visited AGOK and ANTHONY Company Operating Bases (COBs), inspected Honour Guards on his arrival at both COBs, toured the camps to familiarize himself with the conditions in the COBs, and visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who fled into the Camps as a result of the recent attacks.
The Ag HoM/FC, in his address said the UN Secretary General – Antonio Guterres condemns the series of attacks that took place on the Saturday 27 January 2024 at AGOK COB, which resulted in the death of one Ghanaian peacekeeper, and expressed his condolence to the Battalion, assuring them that efforts will be made for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
He advised troops to protect themselves in order to stay alive to protect the people of Abyei, especially those in Sector South.
Maj Gen Sawyer commended the Battalion on their Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, urging them to continue supporting the locals despite their attacks on UN peacekeepers, to help win their hearts and minds, and admonished all to continue wearing their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, whiles being extra vigilant and alert at duty posts.
Finally, he commended the Commanding Officer – Lieutenant Colonel Edward Sarpong Appiah –for his dedicated efforts and urged him to keep encouraging the troops in difficult moments.
Credit: UNISFA GHANBATT PI CELL
