UNIFIL holds final UN Day ceremony; Abaniara: 'In southern Lebanon, we know peace is not guaranteed'

The Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Dioudaté Abaniara, issued a message on the occasion of United Nations Day yesterday, emphasizing “the enduring importance of the principles upon which the United Nations is founded, namely peace, dialogue, and cooperation.” He stated, “Here in southern Lebanon, we recognize that peace is not guaranteed, but requires trust, resolve, and the willingness to work together.”

Abaniara added, “On this United Nations Day, we renew our commitment to peace and cooperation and to serving the people we work for. Together, we carry out our mandate. Together, we build peace. Together, we shape the future.”

UNIFIL recalled the established values underpinning the organization, reaffirming its commitment to achieving peace and stability in southern Lebanon. According to the mission, UNIFIL personnel, comprising military and civilian staff from countries around the world, work daily to support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, maintain stability, and contribute to efforts aimed at helping local communities recover and return to normal life.

This occasion holds particular significance, as it will be the last time UNIFIL marks United Nations Day before the end of its mandate at the close of 2026. As UNIFIL enters the final phase of its presence in southern Lebanon, the mission continues to focus its efforts on supporting stability and preserving the foundations necessary for establishing lasting peace.

Reaffirming the mission’s commitment, Major General Abaniara stressed that “UNIFIL will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the Lebanese Armed Forces and local communities until the last day of its operations.”