The last batch of 3rd Infantry Battalion of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) returned to the country after a nine-month of peacekeeping mission under the UNMISS, UN mission in South Sudan.
The 3rd Infantry Battalion was replaced by 47th Infantry Battalion in South Sudan who completed their deployment to Juba in the morning of Thursday 21 Feb 13 aboard RwandAir.
A total of 146 RDF troops led by Rwanda’s Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Andrew Kagame touched down at Kanombe International Airport at 10,00hrs, making a total of 850 Officers and men who have safely returned home after nine months in South Sudan.
The soldiers were welcomed upon arrival by Lt. Gen. Charles Kayonga, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, flanked by other senior RDF officers.
Lt. Gen. Kayonga hailed the troops for their dedicated service for consolidating peace in South Sudan.
He said that both UN and South Sudan Government expressed gratitude of what RDF is doing in UNMISS adding that Rwandans are proud of this.
“Our government and the people of Rwanda thank you for the commitment you have shown” said the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
Brig. Gen. Andrew Kagame said that 3rd Infantry Battalion conducted different activities aimed at peace building and peace consolidation in South Sudan.
The troops performed regular patrols and guards to safeguard security to South Sudanese.
The RDF peacekeepers were also engaged in development activities such as rehabilitation of Tambura and Yambio airstrips, rehabilitated bridges, provided medical services to local population and distributed 500 hoes to the local population who utilized them for food production.
“As Rwandans we took our experience to South Sudan and taught them that what is most important for them is to build their country themselves without necessarily awaiting for foreign aid” said Brig. Gen. Andrew Kagame.
Rwanda maintains one Battalion deployed under UNMISS comprised of 850 soldiers, a Light Engineering Company and three aviation units under United Nation Mission in South Sudan.
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