Zambian peacekeepers honored for their contribution to stability in the Central African Republic

More than a distinction, this is recognition of their exemplary commitment to stabilization and the protection of civilians in Vakaga Prefecture, in northeastern CAR.

Deployed in Vakaga since August 2024, the 10th Zambian contingent actively works to protect civilians and strengthen state authority, regularly conducting patrols in the various sub-prefectures of the region. These operations, often conducted in coordination with the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), have helped strengthen security, prevent threats related to the presence of armed groups, and reassure local populations. Between 2024 and 2025, more than 50 joint patrols were conducted with the FACA, in addition to individual patrols.

Their actions also support the electoral process in the four sub-prefectures of Vakaga, through escorting logistics convoys and securing voter registration. They also escorted more than 30 humanitarian convoys, facilitating the delivery of food and aid to isolated communities such as Gordil, Tissifongoro, Am-Dafock, and Matala, close to the Chadian and Sudanese borders. This commitment is welcomed by local communities. For Major General Maychell Asmi, MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander, this contingent has significantly contributed to creating a safer and more secure environment for operations aimed at promoting peace and stability. This, along with "exemplary professionalism and unwavering respect for MINUSCA's mandate, has contributed substantially to the overall success of the Mission."

"Thanks to the patrols they conduct along the roads, many people can now move freely between villages to buy and resell agro-pastoral products at the Birao market," says Amagoumach Machouwa, a trader at Birao's central market.

In Am-Dafock, a town previously under constant threat from armed groups from Sudan, their presence has contributed to a gradual return to peace. "Before, these groups would burst into our village and rob us. Since the deployment of MINUSCA and FACA, we can finally sleep peacefully." "We live in peace," says Célestin Tamia, group leader in the town of Am-Dafock.

Beyond security operations, these peacekeepers have initiated development initiatives, such as the construction of buildings for the sub-prefectures of Ouanda-Djallé and Tiringoulou, the gendarmerie and youth center in Am-Dafock, as well as the Am-Ngabo municipal stadium in Birao.

"Since the base opened in Am-Dafock, MINUSCA has helped redeploy the FACA and teachers. I am also pleased that they contributed to the construction of our gendarmerie," says Abdel Kader Ramadan, sub-prefect of Am-Dafock.

Finally, the Zambian contingent has distinguished itself through its numerous community activities. More than 20 home medical consultations were carried out, as well as awareness campaigns against gender-based violence, cleaning of public places, support for vulnerable women, training in recycling non-biodegradable plastic waste, in addition to sports activities with young people.