During a state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this year, the Governor General of Canada awarded medals of honour to a number of individuals, three of whom were Ismailis.
The visit was part of a wider tour of African countries that included Senegal, Rwanda and Cape Verde. It was an opportunity for the Governor General to pay tribute to Canadian women and men working for NGOs in the region.
“The bonds of friendship which nourish the relations between Canada and the DRC depend largely on the dedicated role played by men and women like you,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean at a reception hosted by the Canadian Ambassador, where she presented medals to people who have made significant contributions to Canada-Congo relations. The Ismaili recipients were all Canadian wardens – volunteers who facilitate communications between the Canadian Embassy and resident Canadians in the event of a local crisis such as internal disorder or natural disaster.
Shiraj Hemraj was recognised for 17 years of service as a Canadian warden and for his bravery in saving the life of a fellow Canadian during the disturbances of September 1991 at the risk of his own. He was also commended in his role as co-founder of the Rawji Foundation, which contributes to the training of Congolese youths and fosters development in the DRC.
Sadrudin Nanji, the current Chairman of the Ismaili Conciliation and Arbitration Board for the DRC, received a medal for his many years of service as a Canadian warden, during which he provided safe havens for all Canadians while coordinating evacuation efforts during the 1991 and 1993 distrurbances in Congo. He was also commended for the close support he provided to Consular Staff in their efforts to help Canadians at particularly crucial moments.
Medal recipient Altaf Sheriff, President of the Ismaili Council for the DRC, was also recognised for his years of service as a Canadian warden, for providing safe havens and for assisting Canadians during the dangerous unrest that took place in March 2007. President Sheriff thanked the Governor General, accepting the recognition as a tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam's institutions and to the efforts of all Ismailis in Congo.
The Governor General's visit to the DRC took place between 18–20 April. She was accompanied by a delegation of Canadians working in a variety of fields, including governance, women's rights, journalism, arts and culture, civic engagement.
While in Congo, she visited a health centre that receives funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to train midwife nurses and professionalise their practice. The Governor General also met with His Excellency President Joseph Kabila and Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito.
In her address at a state luncheon hosted by President Kabila, she noted that Canada and DRC share many values and ties, including cultural diversity, peace, democratic governance and the consolidation of a state of law. Collaborative efforts and initiatives that promote greater social responsibility would be beneficial, she said, adding that commercial activities must be practised within an ethical framework that is respectful of the people, their culture and the environment.
As the country marks the 50th anniversary of its independence, the Governor General noted that “the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also rich in women, men and an entire generation of young people who are working hard to restore the respect of human dignity.” She urged the Congolese people to celebrate their diversity, which she described as “this country's – and this continent's – greatest resource.”
