Moroccan peacekeeper electrocuted in DRC, bringing total death toll to 60
A Moroccan peacekeeper serving in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) has died from electrocution, raising the total number of Moroccan peacekeepers killed in UN peacekeeping missions to 60.
Corporal Karim Tmara, a member of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), tragically lost his life in an accidental electrocution while operating a water pump, according to a statement by the FAR posted on social media platform X on Wednesday.
Morocco has been an active participant in UN peacekeeping operations, with its soldiers serving in various missions around the globe.
Since their initial involvement, a total of 60 Moroccan peacekeepers have died in the line of duty.
Corporal Tmara is the sixth Moroccan soldier to have died while serving in MONUSCO, highlighting the risks faced by peacekeepers in the often volatile conditions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The United Nations has consistently acknowledged and honored the sacrifices made by peacekeepers, both Moroccan and international.
As of May 2024, the total number of fatalities among UN peacekeeping personnel since 1948 had reached 4,380.
Among these, 21 Moroccan peacekeepers lost their lives while serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Morocco is a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping forces, ranking eighth among troop-contributing countries with 1,714 Moroccan peacekeepers currently deployed.
In May, UN Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to two Moroccan FAR peacekeepers during the annual commemoration dedicated to UN peacekeeping personnel who died in service in 2023.
The loss of Corporal Tmara serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeepers worldwide.
The continued commitment of Moroccan forces to these missions underscores their dedication to global peace and stability, despite the inherent risks involved in their crucial work.
