It’s my job to save lives – Sergeant Hachambwa
SOUTH Sudan has been plagued by political instability and armed conflict since its independence on 9th July 2011. Amid the war and internal strife however, a Zambian peacekeeper has been recognised by the United Nations for her exceptional dedication after she helped a South Sudanese woman to safely deliver a baby at the Malakal Protection of Civilian camp.
In an interview, Sergeant Pessina Moono Hachambwa, in her capacity then as Community Policing Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), recalls that around midday on on the material day in September, she was on duty at a Protection of Civilians site when she and a colleague were alerted to a woman in labour in a nearby shrub. Sergeant Hachambwa, who was stationed at the Juliet Gate, instructed that the expectant mother be brought to Juliet Gate for assistance.
The woman was unable to walk but Sergeant Hachambwa, 38 carried her to a nearby closed container to ensure her privacy.
Sergeant Hachambwa’s colleague contacted an ambulance and reported the matter through the established chain of command. The ambulance however delayed and Sergeant Hachambwa soon realised that the woman would give birth before it arrived.
Sergeant Hachambwa, herself a mother of three, explains that she helped the woman prepare for birth and with the help of the UN Police team on duty that day, facilitated the delivery of a healthy baby boy. The ambulance arrived soon afterwards and both mother and child were taken to hospital for further medical care.
‘I achieved my purpose of being a peacekeeper’
Discussing her experience, Sergeant Hachambwa says despite having no experience as a midwife, she felt dutybound to help the South Sudanese woman.
“This was my very first time helping a lady to give birth. When the lady was brought to me, I was so scared, nervous, confused because I had no idea of midwifery services, I had no instruments to use and also the community was going to rise against UN and my job was going to be affected. Nevertheless, after gathering courage, I decided to sacrifice my life and job to save lives and after a successful childbirth process was completed, I was so excited to have had helped a helpless woman and I felt that I achieved my purpose of being a peacekeeper,” Sergeant Hachambwa says.
The sergeant, who checked out of the mission in South Sudan on 10th July 2024 after serving for a year, joined the Zambia Police Service in April 2011.
And in a letter commending Sergeant Hachambwa for her actions, the UN described the Zambian peacekeeper’s display of compassion and bravery in assisting in the safe birth of the child as “truly remarkable” and going “beyond the call of duty”.
“Your relentless efforts in coordinating with the ambulance service to ensure the prompt transportation of the mother and her child to the UN Level Two Hospital in Malakal for medical assistance, as well as your subsequent follow-up visit to monitor their progress at the hospital, are deserving of praise,” reads a letter to Sergeant Hachambwa from Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under Secretary General, Department of Peace Operations.
He added that Sergeant Hachambwa’s actions exemplify the essence of humanity and embodied the core values of UN peacekeeping.
“I applaud your extraordinary commitment that undoubtedly enhanced the confidence of members of the local community in UNMISS’ dedication to their well-being,” said Mr Lacroix.
Sergeant Hachambwa says she felt “ecstatically happy and honoured” to be recognised by the UN.
“I never thought it was going to be a big thing because in me all I was looking forward to was to help my fellow lady who was helpless, as well as saving the baby’s life and to protect the name of UN and me from being called incompetent. As you are aware, conflict related maternal deaths are common in peacekeeping missions for obvious reasons. Health facilities aren’t easily accessible [and there is] lack of knowledge on how to keep safe during pregnancy,” she says.
Sergeant Hachambwa has since advised other peacekeepers to give themselves wholly to service.
“Be ready to face complex situations and develop a strong sense of problem-solving precept with the skills because situations in conflict areas are dynamic. To all Zambian categories of peacekeepers, never relent in discharging your duties magnanimously,” says Sergeant Hachambwa. “Continue raising the [Zambian] flag high. Through your office, kindly I request the Zambia Police Service and the Government at large to recognize their officers if they get recognized by the United Nations.”