“WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO CONTRIBUTE MORE PEACEKEEPERS” – DR HUSSEIN MWINYI

 A soldier from TPDF raising UN Flag to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

 IN Action; Ms.Usia Nkhoma Ledama from UNIC take part in inviting various guests.(All Photo by Zainul Mzige

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By Damas Makangale, Tanzania

The Tanzanian government has reassured the United Nations (UN) that it will not hesitate to contribute more peacekeepers to UN Peacekeeping operations.

Tanzania already contributes 2,259 peacekeepers in Darfur, Lebanon, Abyei, South Sudan and Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) for peacekeeping missions but has promised a larger commitment.

Speaking today during the commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds, Dar es Salaam; Minister for Defense and National Service, Dr Hussein Mwinyi stated that the government is ready and willing to continue serving in their noble duty.

“The success of the peacekeepers can be seen in various places such as the DRC, where the Intervention Brigade (FIB) (a joint effort by the UN and African counterparts) helped the government to defeat the M23 rebels. This is a major positive step in bringing back stabilization and security in the Eastern DRC,”

Tanzania People's Defense Forces Brass Band enters the Mnazi Mmoja Heroes Grounds.

“As you are all aware, the theme for this year is “UN Peacekeeping: a force for peace, a force for change, a force for the future,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi added that the UN peacekeeping is tackling new challenges to protect citizens as well as ensure peace for tomorrow’s future.

He clarified that new technologies such as unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles are being deployed to face such challenges.

Dr Mwinyi emphasised that stronger cooperation between the UN and other regional organizations will contribute to the success of the peacekeeping missions and he praised its special role on the peace and security agenda.

Tanzania People's Defense Forces in action during the commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Acting UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative, Dr Jama Gulaid said that today, more than 116,000 UN personnel from more than 120 countries serve in 16 peacekeeping operations.

“At great personal risk, these military, police and civilian personnel help stabilize communities, protect civilians, promote the rule of law and advance human rights…last year 106 peacekeepers perished carrying out their duty under the UN flag bringing the total number of lives lost in the history of peacekeeping to more than 3,200,” he said.

He went on to say that the UN peacekeeping is modernizing to ensure that it can tackle tomorrow’s peace and security challenges in order to foster peace and tranquility around the world.

Guest of Honour Minister of Defense and National Service, Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi listen attentively to the National Anthem from members of Tanzania People's Defense Forces during the ceremony.