Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
On 5 June, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will award the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage to two peacekeepers for their distinguished actions in UN peacekeeping missions.
Sergii Prykhodko, a private contractor with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), volunteered for a high-risk air evacuation mission in Upper Nile State in March 2025. He took the place of a less experienced colleague and was killed when their helicopter came under fire despite assurances of safe passage. His actions helped save lives amid escalating violence in the region.
Sergeant Matias Reyes, serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Goma, was also recognized. In January 2025, Reyes bravely rescued 12 gravely wounded Congolese soldiers during clashes with the M23 armed group, repeatedly braving heavy fire to carry the soldiers to a medical tent within the UN base. A representative from Uruguay's Permanent Mission to the UN will accept the medal on his behalf as he continues his service.
Major Abhilasha Barak of India was named Military Gender Advocate of the Year. As Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point in southern Lebanon, she has integrated gender perspectives across military operations and civil-military activities. Major Barak has involved over 5,000 women and girls in empowerment initiatives, including vocational training and health programs, and introduced an AI-driven platform for confidential reporting of gender-based violence and related support tools.