Rwanda Aviation Unit III serving under United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) held a UN Medal parade award ceremony in Juba, the Capital City of South Sudan on 10th July 2015.
Deputy Special Representative (DSR) of UN Secretary General Mr Mustapha Sumare presented and decorated medals to Rwanda Aviation Unit Peacekeepers for having served professionally the UNMISS in the period of ten months.
In his remarks, he thanked the Government of Rwanda for contributing the troops to UNMISS. He commended the peacekeepers for their professionalism, commitment, discipline, maintaining good relations with the people of South Sudan and with the entire UNMISS Staff. He particularly commended the RDF peacekeepers for their valuable contribution to restore peace and security in different areas of operation in South Sudan.
He said that Rwanda Aviation Unit 3 has been providing uninterrupted air support by transporting towards the fulfillment of the UNMISS mandate in the entire South Sudan Airspace and also helped in enhancing communication.
Rwanda Aviation Unit transported the Civilian personnel, Humanitarian aids, Troops, UN Equipment and Casualties evacuation.
DSR Mustapha Sumare also thanked Rwanda for increasing a number of female peacekeepers in UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.
Lt Col Louis Kanobayire, the Contingent Commander Rwanda Aviation Unit 3 said that Rwanda Aviation Unit main air operating base is located in Juba and has the capability of positioning a number of air assets at any temporary forward air base in the mission area.
During the last 10 months, Rwanda Aviation Unit 3 positioned helicopters in Malakal in Upper Nile State, Wau in Western Bahr El Ghazal State and in Rumbek.
Lt Col Kanobayire said that Rwanda Aviation Unit 3 has fulfilled its obligation of supporting UNMISS by providing services that include but not limited to airlifting of personnel (10,166 pax), cargo aerial delivery and resupply (706,830 Kgs).
Lt Col Louis Kanobayire appreciated the cordial atmosphere and a friendly working relationship the Unit enjoyed with senior mission leadership, Force HQs and with mission Aviation Section.
The colorful ceremony was attended by Senior UNMISS officials, Military and Police Components.
Rwandan Aviation Unit composed of 165 personnel who have completed their tour of duty in UNMISS is expected in Rwanda, on 31 August 2015.
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