Bangui: The United Nations and authorities of the Central African Republic have paid tribute to the five peacekeepers who died whilst on duty in the country.
The ceremony on Tuesday was held at the headquarters of the UN Mission in Bangui, before the bodies of the Blue Helmets from Bangladesh, Burundi and Cameroon were repatriated.
During his speech, the head of the UN mission in the Central African Republic, Mankeur Ndiaye, said the soldiers died "to make this country a better place".
Read: UN peacekeepers killed in Central African Republic
Three Burundian peacekeepers were killed protecting civilians against an attack by armed groups in Dekoa on Christmas Day, two days ahead of presidential and legislative elections.
A Cameroonian peacekeeper was killed in a traffic accident during a routine mission escort, and a Bangladeshi Blue Helmet died from illness.
All five peacekeepers were awarded the Medaille de Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Reconnaissance Centrafricaine – one of the highest honours in the Central African Republic.
The remains of the three Burundian peacekeepers were repatriated to Bujumbura, the UN said.
AP
