I remembered about 2 years ago, was driving this nissan patrol from the Liberia’s airport – Roberts International Airport back to the office. It was still morning, around almost 9AM, after dropping off a colleague catching up with his flight home, I continued stepping on the pedal rushing to get to the office.

From a distace about 1Km ahead, I saw a distinctive color of blue.. as the car began to get closer, there was standing a Nigerian soldier, with a blue helmet on, I guess it was really helped him protecting the head from the warming light of the sun from standing on the side of the road, waiting for a ride. I could see clearly those sweats dripping on face. He has been hailing the car I was driving with the other hand steadily holding the AK-47 rifle on his shoulder.

As I began to slow down and stopped, rolled the window down, and greeted the fellow soldier:

Good morning.. need a ride?
Yes, Sir.. I am a member of Nibatt-7 (stands for Nigerian Battalion), would appreciate a ride to my nearest check point ahead..
Of course, get in.. – I said.

Then we hit the road further. My only attention other than the road was taking frequent glimpse on the assault rifle he had standing on the car deck almost tall enough to reach the roof. We chatted along the ride that later on made me learned the history of his deployment, and the fact that he was deployed here in Liberia during ECOMOG’s period.

Adebayo, that was the first name of the fellow soldier. Could not remember the last name, however I began to pay more attention to his story as he began to tell of how many best buddies he had that died/fallen during his ECOMOG’s assigment back in 1997 and how deeply frustrated and dangerous the peacekeeping mission that time. Surely as his graphic history-telling session further went, my mind was kind of developing images to match his narative and man!, it made me shivered. In short – his mission assignment was dangerous and deadly.

Things back in 1997 and the ones now, here in Liberia or anywhere else – peacekeeping mission still remain a tough assignment. One must be prepared mentally, as well as physically towards all the challenges and threats may be found while undertaking field assignment in post-conflict areas. Fatalities of peacekeepers have been the ultimate sacrifice made to establish peace.

On 29 May 2008, is the day we mark the 60th anniversary of UN peacekeeping operations. This is a milestone for international efforts to promote peace and protect the vulnerable. Around the world, UN officials – both soldiers and civilians – are taking risks for peace and are enabling war-torn societies to overcome conflicts and return to the path of reconciliation and reconstruction.

UN peacekeeping operations have come a long way, in both conceptual and operational terms, since the first mission was launched in 1948. From purely military missions dealing with wars between states, they have become multidimensional, dealing mainly with intrastate conflicts.

Today, they involve some 100 000 people, active in 20 operations around the world and with an annual budget of eight billion dollars. And still the demand for UN peacekeeping engagement continues to grow.

We at UNMIL, we commemorate the anniversary through various programs, which to include a sporting event: Peacekeepers Run, Day Parade and University Forum at University of Liberia. It was 7AM, the area named Congo Town was packed with groups of people dressed in sporting gear and a white t-shirts that said: 60 years of UN peacekeeping.

Major Agoeng Satiawanpoetra (Far right), one member of the Indonesian Military Observer at UNMIL, under Kontingen Garuda XXI5 was one of the celebrant of the 60th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping.

More and more participants from Chinese contingent arrived, marching with enthusiasm entering the gathering point. While few feet away, we’ve got the Philippine’s contingent were having group photo.

Finaly, hundreds of participants gathered and getting ready to begin the run which was then officially whistled by the Special Representative of the Secretary General of UNMIL, Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj and UNMIL Force Commander Lt. Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor.

Contingent members, staff officers and civilian staffs were enthusiastically participated towards the whole-day program. I am sure that with everyone’s active participation to the peace process, Liberia will be be the success story for others to follow.

To learn more on United Nations Peacekeeping, visit us online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/index.asp

Also, you may wish to browse the photos at this Photo Gallery and hope to understand better on how we go through the days here on the ground.