Stories and facts

April 28, 1961, stands as one of the darkest days in the history of Ghanaian peacekeeping. In the early hours at Port Francqui, Kasai, Congo, a contingent of Ghanaian soldiers serving under the United Nations flag faced a tragedy that would leave a lasting scar on their nation and the peacekeeping community.

The events leading up to the incident were rooted in the tense political climate of the Congo Crisis. The Congolese Interior Minister, during a public speech at Port Francqui, openly criticised the local Congolese National Army (ANC) for their role in the unrest but also accused them of acting against the Lulua community, further inflaming existing divisions. He warned that the United Nations would intervene and disarm the ANC if their behaviour did not change, all while under UN escort.

These statements, delivered in such a charged environment, were taken by the ANC troops as a sign that the UN was siding with their rivals in the local conflict. The perception of bias and the threat of disarmament heightened the sense of mistrust and hostility. This combination of public condemnation and the suggestion of UN intervention was a direct trigger for the violence that followed, as the ANC soldiers believed both the Interior Minister and the UN were acting against their interests.

On April 28, ANC forces, believing the UN shared the minister’s bias, attacked the Ghanaian garrison. The Ghanaian troops, dispersed in small groups and poorly equipped compared to their attackers, were caught off guard. The fighting was intense and brief.

Many Ghanaian peacekeepers, some disarmed and others attempting to escape across the river, lost their lives. In total, 43 Ghanaian soldiers were killed, marking the single greatest loss of life for Ghana’s armed forces in any peacekeeping mission. The aftermath was sobering.

The incident exposed critical gaps in intelligence and preparedness, as the UN command had not anticipated the possibility of such a violent reaction following the minister’s speech. The Ghanaian contingent, new to international peacekeeping, was left to reckon with the consequences of decisions and events beyond their control.

The loss was deeply felt across Ghana. These were men who had volunteered to serve on an international mission to help bring peace, only to face violence themselves. The incident revealed serious challenges in how the mission was managed and the risks peacekeepers faced on the ground.

Despite the tragedy, Ghana continued its role in peacekeeping missions around the world. The memory of those who died at Port Francqui is remembered with respect and quiet reflection, a reminder of the dangers involved in efforts to maintain peace.

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