The Uruguayan Army deployed a military contingent to replace its troops with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), which oversees the implementation of security provisions of the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, to prevent violations of its terms, on February 24, 2022.
Upon bidding farewell to the 16 Uruguayan troops who will take over the mission in the Sinai Peninsula, Uruguayan Defense Minister Javier García praised the Armed Forces as “professionals in consolidating and establishing peace,” amid the worrisome situation of international tension due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
García highlighted that there are 50 Uruguayan service members in the MFO, and that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the mission, which originated with the Camp David Accords that Israel and Egypt signed for peace, with U.S. mediation, putting an end to hostilities. The Uruguayan contingent fulfills two important missions for the MFO: ground transportation and support with specialized engineering personnel.
On March 3, Uruguayan Army Major General Evan Williams, MFO force commander, led the deployment homecoming ceremony and medal awards for members of the Uruguayan contingent who finished their mission at the MFO’s southern field, near the Egyptian city of Sharm el Sheikh.
The Uruguayan Armed Forces have been present in the Sinai Peninsula since 1982. They have also taken part in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Burundi, Cyprus, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Republic of the Congo, Western Sahara, and Sierra Leone, among other countries.
“Uruguay’s participation in peacekeeping missions and operations has allowed our Armed Forces to earn recognition from the entire international community for our soldiers’ courage, determination, professionalism, and commitment in this type of operation,” Army Colonel Luis Viñas, director of Uruguay’s National School of Peace Operations, said, Uruguayan newspaper La Mañana reported.
