Malawi troops making a difference in Darfur with UN every day

Working in a complex peacekeeping mission in a place such as Sudan’s Darfur region is both “challenging” and “refreshing,” as each day is unpredictable and brings valuable experiences, according to female peacekeepers from Malawi currently serving with the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

Major Madalitso Malata of Malawi (pictured) serves with the joint UN-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) as an Operations Officer at the Force Headquarters
Malawi first contributed troops to UN peacekeeping in 1994. Today, it has over 900 uniformed personnel across several missions in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (pictured). Photo: MONUSCO
Malawi has also deployed police officers to Darfur. Assistant Superintendent Anastasia Botoman (pictured) from the Malawi Police Service says serving in a UN mission has helped her to “learn more and contribute to building peace in the world.” Here, she meets local people in Nertiti, in Central Darfur. (July 2018) Photo: UNAMID
Malawi has been part of MONUSCO’s Force Intervention Brigade, mandated by the UN Security Council to ‘neutralize and disarm’ armed groups in the eastern DRC. Here, Malawian peacekeepers patrol alongside Government forces
Peacekeepers from Malawi have served in some of the most challenging parts of the world, including in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (pictured). Twenty Malawians have lost their lives serving with UN peace operations over the years

“It’s a remarkable experience to work in an environment where people from all levels are dedicated towards achieving the mandate,” said Madalitso Malata, an Operations Officer.

Since joining UNAMID in March 2018, her responsibilities have included handling correspondence, as well as preparing and disseminating daily situation reports.

“My day starts with a prayer, it gives me strength for the day. Then I set up goals for the day, attend the Daily Morning Operational Brief, then work on my normal operational duties and, also on any other assigned task,” she said.“My day ends with an evening walk and run.”

“Weather – extremely high temperatures and dust storms – is really a challenge but I am trying to adapt,” she said, adding, “I feel proud to play a part in building a better future for the people of Darfur.”

A civil war which broke out in 2003 led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Darfuris and the displacement of nearly two million. In the fighting between Sudanese Government troops and militias and other armed rebel groups, widespread atrocities such as murder and rape of civilians were committed.

UNAMID was formally established by the UN Security Council in 2007. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel from Malawi currently serve in the mission.

Malawi first contributed troops to UN peacekeeping in 1994. Today, it has over 900 uniformed personnel serving in several missions on the African continent.

“Working in an unpredictable environment is a challenge for me,” said Anastasia Botoman, Administrative Support Officer in the Office of the Mission’s Police Commissioner.

Her first job after being deployed to UNAMID in December 2017 was to conduct “confidence-building” patrols and help the Sudanese police force build capacity, as well as sensitize civilians and displaced persons on issues such as community policing and sexual and gender-based violence.

“UNAMID being an integrated mission, it has given me an opportunity to work in a multicultural environment widening my experience from different angles; it has also made me appreciate the importance of respect for diversity,” she said.

Her family is also excited about her deployment as a peacekeeper because she is the first one among her siblings to serve in a UN mission, Ms. Botoman said, encouraging others from Malawi to “participate in UN missions with an open mind to learn more and contribute to peace in the world.”

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
4 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
365 watch 24/7
365 watch 24/7
5 years ago

Keep up the good work that you doing. Malawi is very proud. God speed

M'Malawi Wa Kumudzi
M'Malawi Wa Kumudzi
5 years ago

so it is true that you only send your relatives to these missions rather than deserving and professional officers? Recentry we heard of Botomani in the news about MK145 million and now its Botomani again at UN Missions…?????….But this Malawi….????

A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men
5 years ago

Bravo guys, Keep it up. Remember Jesus needs your life

Gwemula
Gwemula
5 years ago
Reply to  A Few Good Men

A few good men kodi Jesus needs your life what do you mean and who’s this Jesus? Coz in my opinion the so called Jesus i know in the Bible is not Jesus he’s got the real name the Hebrew name not Jesus coz in Hebrew alfabet there’s no letter J

Read previous post:
Presidential aide challenges opposition parties in Chitipa

Presidential advisor on National Unity and Parliamentary Affairs, Nick Masewo has challenged that opposition that they will not defeat the...

Close