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FAR FROM HOME: Norwegian soldiers in Mali celebrate Christmas, with a bandage, thanks to the coronavirus. Photo: Philip Linder / Armed Forces
A force made up of around 80 Norwegian soldiers celebrated their first day out of the crown quarantine in Mali on Christmas Eve. It was marked with chops and ribs in the summer temperatures.
– First of all, it is a bit special to start Christmas Eve with a training session and then to be able to take half an hour in the sun before the Christmas celebration begins, said Lieutenant Colonel Hans Jørgen Nordskog, when asked how the difference is celebration in Mali of a normal Christmas at home. .
– Today it was 36 degrees. Therefore, this, of course, will be a little memorable, continue to talk on the phone with VG.
NRK covered the case first.
However, some traditions have followed the soldiers for the approximately 5000 kilometers to the Malian capital Bamako: on Christmas Eve, they were served ribs, chops and Christmas cod, while the Flåklypa Grand Prix was chosen after a vote. as a Christmas movie in the open-air cinema.
CHRISTMAS FOOD: The kitchen staff at Camp Bifrost in Mali prepare various types of Norwegian Christmas food, as well as some Portuguese dishes for a force leaving Portugal, who have been in the camp so far. Photo: Philip Linder / Armed Forces
Also, Santa came to visit us with gifts from the Veteran meets veteran organization. They also have Christmas grayling service and plays on the agenda.
– The kitchen at Camp Bifrost, where we are stationed, is widely known for its high standard, says Lieutenant Colonel Nordskog. I was very happy with the service.
– May be painful for some
The lieutenant colonel says the soldiers have been in quarantine since they arrived in Mali 14 days ago. Today was the first time they came out of quarantine and, therefore, they have received a lot of positive news at the same time.
– Today there is a very good atmosphere, and without a doubt, good morale throughout the force. Besides it being Christmas, we think it will be good to get out of quarantine and go to work too.
Now they can dine in a royal dining room and move more freely around the base. In addition, they avoid the use of bandages to a greater extent, says force commander Nordskog.
At the same time, it is clear that for many it is difficult not to be at home during the holidays.
– It can be a bit painful for some. They are far from family and we all think about that. I think most people have had a phone call home during the day, and there are some additional thoughts that are going home today.
UN mission
The reason Norwegian forces celebrate Christmas in Mali is that they have been dispatched to the UN. In the West African country, the main task is to help a transport plane of the type C130J Hercules, which descends into space Christmas.
Now the soldiers will prepare everything in the camp until the plane arrives, and after arrival they will protect the camp and the plane, when it is on a mission.
– The plane will mainly carry goods and passengers, but it can also be used for medical evacuation, if necessary, says Lt. Col. Nordskog.
MANAGERS: Force Commander Hans Jørgen Nordskog (left) and Chief Sergeant Staale Granli wearing a Santa hat. Photo: Philip Linder / Armed Forces
According to the Armed Forces website, the forces will be in Mali from December to the end of May.
– The Norwegian aircraft provides efficient and safe transportation of personnel, supplies and medicines throughout the country. Where the plane takes a couple of hours, ground transportation can take several weeks, and with a high risk of armed remorse, they write.
The Armed Forces believe that the UN operation will contribute to “giving the country’s inhabitants a safer daily life.” It is also easier to stop the smuggling routes used for human trafficking and to transport weapons and drugs north to Europe, they write.
