Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates Major General Dr. Julius Facki Oketta, the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak to West Africa (ASEOWA) Head of Mission, who was awarded a "Distinguished Service Order" (DSO). H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia awarded him the Decoration of "Distinguished Service Order" (DSO) on Wednesday, 11 February 2015, during the 58th Armed Forces Day Celebration in Liberia.

Congratulating him for the recognition, the AU Commission Chairperson praises his spirit of selflessness and full dedication with which he leads the life-saving mission in the three countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease.

In his acceptance speech to H.E. Johnson Sirleaf, Gen. Oketta said, “This award belongs not just to us. We do not stand here alone. On behalf of all my colleagues decorated, Africa Union – ASEOWA, the Liberian, the United Nations families, in every corner of the globe, who made contributions, sacrifices and, have in many instances risked or given their lives in the cause of eradicating Ebola, by promoting solidarity and voluntary services, for the common good of humanity, we are hearty grateful.”

The 58th Armed Forces Day Celebration in Liberia was held under the theme: "Enhancing the Capability of the Armed Forces of Liberia to Conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations." Alongside Maj. Gen. Oketta, other recipients included three American Generals, two Colonels from Ghana and a Nigerian serving under the Ministry of Defence.

Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson