Fallen Chadian Captain Honoured with UN Peacekeeping's Highest Award.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio?Guterres will award the 'Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage' to the late Captain Abdelrazakh Hamit Bahar of Chad during the International Day of UN Peacekeepers commemorations in New York on Thursday, 26 May 2022.

The medal was named in honour of Captain Mbaye Diagne who saved hundreds of lives while serving as a UN peacekeeper in Rwanda in 1994, before he was killed in action. In 2014, it was established by the UN Security Council as an official award to recognize uniformed and civilian peacekeepers who demonstrate exceptional courage. This year is only the second time that the Medal has been awarded.

Captain Abdelrazakh Hamit Bahar joined the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) as the Deputy Commander of the Chadian Special Forces Company in January 2021.

On 2 April 2021, Captain Abdelrazakh was deployed at the Aguelhok Super Camp in north-east Mali when it was attacked by an armed terrorist group attempting to seize the base and its outposts. Captain Abdelrazakh led a bold counter-attack to defend the camp, protect the lives of his colleagues and prevent any civilian casualties. While attempting to secure the perimeter, Captain Abdelrazakh noticed armed assailants entering a house near the camp. Determined to ensure that they did not harm colleagues and the civilian population, he single-handedly led an operation to clear and secure the house. In doing so, Captain Abdelrazakh was shot and killed.

'Captain Abdelrazakh's willingness to risk his own life to save others exemplifies the courage and dedication of the more than one million peacekeepers who have served on the frontlines of conflict since 1948. It also highlights the increasing danger faced by our peacekeepers as they carry out their vital work in some of the world's most challenging environments. Captain Abdelrazakh made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. We mourn his loss alongside his family, colleagues, and the nation of Chad. His selfless service serves to inspire us all and we are proud to honour him,' said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

The medal will be presented to Captain Abdelrazakh's family at a ceremony. In addition, a...