The Tanzanian Eighth Battalion (TANBAT 08), serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, has been awarded the UN Medal for its exceptional contribution to stability and civilian protection in the volatile Central African Republic (CAR).
In a grand ceremonial parade held on October 6, 2025, in Berberati, in the south-west of the country, more than 500 Tanzanian soldiers received the UN Defence of Peace and Unity medals.
According to information published Monday, the awards recognise their dedicated service in protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian activities, and strengthening stability in conflict-affected regions of the country.
The medal presentation was presided over by the Deputy Head of the UN Peacekeeping Forces in CAR, Major General Maychel Asmi, who was the guest of honour. In his address, Maj Gen Asmi commended TANBAT 08 for its leadership, discipline, and the remarkable camaraderie displayed throughout its operational tour.
The commanding officer of TANBAT 08, Lieutenant Colonel Theofil Nguruwe, stated that the honour was a testament to the loyalty, hard work, and patriotism of his troops in fulfilling their international duties.
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The ceremony was a vibrant display of Tanzanian national pride. It featured impressive drill displays by a special command group from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) and cultural dances performed by a TPDF arts group.
The traditional performances, representing Tanzania’s national identity and unity, were met with enthusiastic applause from the diverse audience.
The event was attended by senior MINUSCA officials, representative officers from JWTZ Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, CAR government leaders, and international humanitarian organisations.
Local citizens of Berberati also attended, taking the opportunity to personally thank the Tanzanian soldiers for their committed service to peace in their nation.
Tanzania has a long and respected history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions across Africa and beyond. This deployment is part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which is tasked with protecting civilians and supporting a fragile peace process in a country plagued by sectarian and political conflict since 2013.
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The recognition of TANBAT 08 reinforces Tanzania’s standing as a key contributor to continental peace and security, a role that has been consistently championed by the nation for decades.
