Additional 140 RDF peacekeepers arrive in Central African Republic

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has on Tuesday completed the deployment of an additional Motorised Infantry Company of 140 troops to reinforce the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The new company under the command of Major Steven Semwaga left Kigali International Airport, on Tuesday morning, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The deployment that was concluded today started with airlifting Contingent Owned Equipment on 16 September 2017.

On behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Brig Gen Wilson Gumisiriza, the Head of Peace Support Operation at RDF Headquarters urged the peacekeepers to be good “ambassadors” of Rwanda and keep in mind their core mission of protecting civilians.

“Be always guided by RDF values and discipline, observe the UN principles that include neutrality and impartiality; safeguard the good image of Rwanda by performing your mission at high standards”, he guided the Peacekeepers.

Following the United Nations’ request, the Government of Rwanda accepted the deployment of additional force of one Motorized Infantry Company to the already deployed Infantry Battalion deployed in Bangui.

The additional Force was requested by MINUSCA to reinforce its operations and address security challenges in CAR.

Rwanda, one of the world’s largest contributors of peacekeepers, first deployed peacekeepers in CAR in 2014. Currently, RDF maintains one Infantry Battalion and a Level Two Hospital under MINUSCA.

Rwanda troops are specifically charged with providing security for high-ranking government officials and securing key state installations.

The New Times

UM– USEKE.RW