Over the course of more than a year, 272 United Nations peacekeepers from Pakistan have dedicated themselves to protecting 300,000 individuals from devastating floods. In recognition of their outstanding service in Bentiu, Unity State, each peacekeeper was presented with UN medals as their mission nears its conclusion.
Their tireless efforts in constructing and maintaining dikes have successfully prevented 5,600 square kilometers of floodwaters from submerging the Bentiu Internally Displaced Person camp, which houses hundreds of thousands of individuals, as well as the surrounding area, infrastructure, and essential services.
The unit was commended for their exceptional performance, with 23 blue helmets receiving the prestigious Force Commander Commendation Card.
Major Saad Sultan, the operation officer and recipient of the Force Commander’s Commendation, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment.
“We worked tirelessly, often putting ourselves at risk. The recognition through the UN Peace Medals and the Force Commander Commendation Card is a great honor that will always remind me of our service to the people of South Sudan,” he stated.
The impact of climatic shocks has been devastating, leading to floods that have destroyed villages and submerged crucial supply routes in all directions. A breach in the dike system would result in a catastrophe for the large number of individuals seeking refuge within the sanctuary provided by the Pakistani peacekeepers.
An incident in October 2022, where a breach in the western dike wall posed a serious threat, highlighted the importance of their work. Prompt and collaborative actions saved the camp that night. To prevent a similar occurrence, blue helmets now monitor over 80 kilometers of dikes day and night.
The current unit, building upon the achievements and experiences of previous Pakistani blue helmets, proudly reports that there have been no breaches in the dike system since October 2022.
Major Hina Naseer, the contingent doctor, expressed pride in the lasting impact that Pakistani peacekeepers, both past and present, have had on Bentiu.
“We have saved countless lives from floods, leaving a lasting impression on Bentiu,” she remarked.
UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, who personally commended the men and women of the Pakistani unit at the ceremony, offered words of praise.
“Their service in one of the most challenging environments has been invaluable, with efficient, cost-effective, and timely completion of critical engineering projects. These selfless acts demonstrate their unwavering professional dedication,” he stated.
Despite the myriad challenges of climate disasters, food shortages, conflict, and disease outbreaks, the commitment of the Pakistani peacekeepers remains steadfast. Their efforts have brought a sense of normalcy and hope to the residents of Bentiu, underscoring the crucial role of UN peacekeeping missions in addressing environmental and humanitarian crises.
As this unit prepares to hand over to the next contingent of Pakistani engineers, they leave behind a legacy of safety and resilience in Bentiu.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).