The Chief of Staff of Rwanda Defence Forces Major Gen. Mushyo Kamanzi visited two camps of Rwanda Police and Military peacekeepers in Bangui, Central African Republic on September 14. Major. General Kamanzi thanked the Peacekeepers for their hard work in pursuing their mandate while upholding the discipline of Rwanda Defence Forces.
Major Gen. Kamanzi was in CAR to attend the official phased-out of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) held on September 13. The activities of MISCA will be taken over by the United Nations under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), effective today.
He was received at the Rwanda Formed Police Unit camp by the Contingent Commander, Chief Supt. Benoit Kayijuka.
Rwanda deployed a contingent of 140 police officers and maintains other 850 troops in CAR. The Rwandan troops, who are among the forces shifting from MISCA to MINUSCA, have been credited for restoring relative peace and security since their arrival in January including disarming and opening routes that had been closed by the warring parties.
“It’s good that you came finding your military colleagues here; there is a lot they learnt here in the last eight months. You will benefit from their experience and skills but they will also gain a lot from your experience as part of a UN mission,” Major Gen. Kamanzi told Police officers at their base located in the National Police School.
Present was also Brig. Gen Evariste Murenzi, the sector commander in MINUSCA, the Commanding Officer of the Rwanda Mechanised Infantry Battalion (RwaMechBatt1) in CAR Lt. Col. Jean Paul Karangwa and other senior military and police officers.
Under the new UN-backed mission, both Rwanda Police and military will be based and operate within Bangui. The mandate remains similar and includes conducting patrols, ensuring protection of VIPs as well as key installations amongst others. The Rwanda military peacekeepers will continue to be responsible for guarding and escorting the Head of State as well as other high ranking officials.
“You are here as ambassadors and to fulfill Rwanda’s commitment of bringing peace and security in other countries. I urge you to remain focused and united as we fulfill this commitment,” he added.
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