Senegal’s President Macky Sall recently unveiled a statue in Dakar to honor the memory of Captain Mbaye Diagne, a Senegalese peacekeeper who tragically lost his life during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Diagne, a brave soldier who served in the United Nations mission in Rwanda, is remembered for his selfless act of courage in protecting Tutsi men and women from the Interahamwe militia during the genocide.
President Sall, during the inauguration ceremony on March 22, paid tribute to Diagne, hailing him as a national and global hero who embodied the highest human values. The late peacekeeper, born in 1928, reportedly saved between 600 to 1,000 lives before he was killed in a mortar attack near a checkpoint set up by the genocidal regime’s army and militia.
In recognition of his heroic actions, the post-genocide Rwandan government awarded Diagne the Umurinzi medal in 2010, presented to his widow Yacine Mar Diop by President Paul Kagame. The United Nations also honored Diagne by naming a medal after him in 2014, known as the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage, awarded to UN personnel who display extraordinary bravery in the face of danger.
President Sall emphasized the exceptional values and humanism displayed by Captain Diagne, stating that his legacy continues to inspire the citizens of Senegal. The Rwandan government, represented by Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, praised Diagne’s courage and sacrifice, describing him as a hero in Rwanda. Karabaranga highlighted the Senegalese contingent’s decision to stay behind and protect the Tutsi population, despite the UN mission’s withdrawal, as a testament to their bravery and humanity.
As Rwanda prepares to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide, the monument in Dakar dedicated to Captain Mbaye Diagne serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance and tribute to his extraordinary acts of valor. The legacy of Captain Diagne continues to resonate as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the importance of standing up for justice and humanity in the face of adversity.
