{{For the third time, Rwanda peacekeepers in Central African Republic (CAR) escorted and delivered humanitarian and commercial goods to Bangui, on 19 February 2014 from the Cameroon-CAR border.}}
The convoy of 68 vehicles escorted by Rwanda Mechanised Infantry battalion (RwaMechBatt1) serving in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) was received by the MISCA Force Commander, Brigadier General Martin Tumante who thanked the Peacekeepers for good job well-done.
Gen. Tumante thanked the MISCA Forces for having escorted and protected the humanitarian aid convoy, “you spent five days and nights to deliver the much needed humanitarian and day to day goods for CAR people, thank you for your commitment”.
{{Several attacks along the humanitarian corridor}}
The third humanitarian convoy escort started the 700 km long journey from Bangui to CAR-Cameroon border on 15 February 2014. Along the way, the peacekeepers rescued 2000 fleeing civilians who were under attack from Anti-Balaka armed group.
The fleeing civilians were safely protected from several Anti-Balaka attacks and evacuated to a safe zone in the neighbouring country, Cameroon. Unfortunately three innocent people among the fleeing civilians were killed by the Anti-Balaka thugs.
Three injured civilians were evacuated to Cameroon Hospital after having first aid treatment from the Rwanda Peacekeepers medical staff (below on the photo).
On the other hand, the peacekeepers, in protecting civilians and the humanitarian convoy fought the assailants and killed at least seven of them. Two sub-machine guns and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from them.
“MISCA reiterates its commitment to continue to provide security for humanitarian and other convoys along the corridor connecting the Central African Republic to the border with Cameroon”, reads a press statement released on 15 February by MISCA.
RwaMechBatt1 peacekeepers first opened the 700 km humanitarian Corridor on 27 January2014.
Leave a Reply