Farewell Ceremony to Mourn Seven Fallen Peacekeepers

Tanzania held an official farewell ceremony to mourn seven fallen peacekeepers who were attacked and killed in Darfur on 13 July.  The mourning ceremony took place at the Diamond Jubillee- Tanzania People's Defence Force Grounds.  President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete officiated over the farewell ceremony urging Tanzanian peacekeepers not to give up. 

He also sent his sympathies to the families of the fallen heroes and extended his appreciation for the support that the United Nations, African Union and diplomatic community extended during this mourning period. 

The President said of his peacekeepers that stronger ammunition and force-strength should be provided to help prevent such attacks.  He also told the public that he earlier spoke with President Al Bashir who was attending a meeting in Nigeria and he promised to bring to book the perpetrators of the evil attack.

Several high level guests attended the farewell ceremony including the Former UN Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro who later spoke with the press in English and Kiswahili.  The UN was represented by the UNDP Country Representative, Mr. Phillippe Poinsot who attended on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Alberic Kacou.