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– We have plans to maintain what many have as a tradition on Christmas Eve. There will be a Christmas service and Christmas games, before we sit down at the table. Of course we will also make sure the Silver Boys can sing Christmas in our tent.
Force Commander Hans Jørgen Nordskog and Chief Sergeant Staale Granli will celebrate Christmas at Camp Bifrost near Bamako in Mali.
Photo: Armed Forces
Hans Jørgen Nordskog tells forsvaret.no. He is the commander of the Norwegian UN force in Mali.
Earlier this month, a new Norwegian contingent from the UN went to the African desert country. This is the third time Norway has sent a contribution from transport aircraft to Mali.
The Norwegians will support the international forces of MINUSMA with the transport of material, personnel and medical equipment.
Quarantine time is over
The Norwegian force was quarantined immediately after arriving in Mali. The infection situation means that the staff is divided into cohorts. The camp is also divided in two. One part is for newly arrived quarantined personnel. The second part is for those who have finished the quarantine period.
Chief Sergeant Staale Granli will create a Christmas atmosphere at the Norwegian UN camp in Mali.
Photo: Armed Forces
On Christmas Eve, the soldiers end the quarantine period. It has lasted 14 days. In this way, they will be able to eat together for the first time in the large dining tent on Christmas Eve.
Norway is responsible for the operation of the Camp Bifrost camp in Bamako. Nine Norwegian employees are responsible for operations throughout the year.
Christmas food on the menu.
The camp chefs do their best. According to the soldiers, the kitchen is known for cooking good food. Traditional Christmas food is on the menu tonight.
Traditional Christmas food is prepared in the kitchen at Camp Bifrost.
Photo: Armed Forces
– The kitchen here is fantastic! Ribs, chops and Christmas cod are all served with all the accessories, says Nordskog.
Christmas dinner is ready.
Photo: Armed Forces
He says it will be a slightly different Christmas for the staff. However, Nordskog believes that Christmas in Mali will be an experience that UN soldiers will remember for a lifetime.
– We have credible intelligence that Santa is coming. We ended the evening with a Christmas movie at the open-air cinema. I think this will be another memorable Christmas celebration here at Camp Bifrost, says the force commander.
READ ALSO: Here Norwegian soldiers go to the most dangerous UN mission in the world: – We are not afraid.
The royal couple, the Christmas decorations and the Norwegian flag. It is ready for the holiday celebration.
Photo: Armed Forces
