Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

He was speaking on Thursday at a press conference in South Sudan where he highlighted the critical contributions of Rwandan troops.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, stands as the largest in the world, with over 13,000 troops deployed across various regions of the country.

South Sudan, a young nation that gained independence in 2011, has been plagued by ethnic conflicts among its 63 tribes, resulting in continued instability.

The size and complexity of the mission are compounded by the fact that South Sudan is over 24 times larger than Rwanda, making peacekeeping efforts both extensive and challenging.

Rwanda, known for its exemplary participation in global peacekeeping efforts, has one of the largest contingents in South Sudan.

The country has more than 2,990 personnel in South Sudan, including three infantry battalions, an aviation unit, police units, and senior officers deployed in key roles.

Lt Gen Subramanian underscored the importance of Rwanda’s involvement in the mission, stating that the Rwandan contingent is “the backbone of UNMISS.”

He further elaborated on the strategic significance of Rwanda’s presence, describing the roles of the three battalions stationed in volatile regions like Upper Nile State, Juba, and Eastern Equatoria state.

These battalions not only protect civilians but also serve as a stabilizing force in areas prone to ethnic clashes and armed conflict.

One of the battalions stationed in Upper Nile State is responsible for guarding the only Protection of Civilians (POC) camp managed by UNMISS, which houses over 40,000 displaced individuals.

In addition to securing the camp, Rwandan peacekeepers work alongside the Indian battalion to provide essential services, ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by conflict.

In Juba, the capital of South Sudan, another Rwandan battalion plays a crucial role in city security and surrounding areas. Initially brought in as part of the Rapid Protection Force in response to the 2016 civil war, this battalion now serves as a vital element in the ongoing efforts to maintain stability.

The third battalion oversees operations in Eastern Equatoria, a region critical to South Sudan’s security landscape.

Besides, the Rwandan aviation unit, the only military aviation unit in UNMISS, provides indispensable support in operations that require rapid deployments, long-distance patrols, and crisis response.

Beyond their military role, Rwandan peacekeepers have also engaged in civil-military cooperation activities (CIMIC), helping to rebuild the war-torn communities in which they serve.

These activities include setting up medical camps, training civilians in essential skills, and providing infrastructure support such as road repairs.

Such efforts are funded by the Rwandan government and designed to strengthen the bond between peacekeepers and local communities.

Rwanda has participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions for 20 years. Additionally, it has been 30 years since the country emerged from the tragic history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Drawing from their own history, having endured and recovered from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandan troops embody resilience and serve as role models as highlighted by UNMISS commander.

“Each contingent brings with itself its own uniqueness. Now, the Rwandan contingent being our biggest contingent, its uniqueness almost defines us. Now, what is unique about the Rwandan contingent is that in a very short time of organization from 1994, the Rwandan army has very solid doctrines and very well made standard operating procedures,” he noted.

“Officers and troops are very well trained. They are robust, ready to take on any activity. And they understand UN missions very well, being such a major contributor in many missions. So they are a very robust component of the force,” Lt Gen Subramanian added.

He also emphasized that Rwanda’s constitutional mandate for international peacekeeping adds to the country’s sense of purpose in these missions.

The Commander noted that this gives Rwandan peacekeepers a unique edge, as they approach their work not just as an international duty but as part of a national commitment to global stability.

“What Rwanda has suffered in 1994 needs no emphasis, and that gives a certain sense of purpose to their peacekeepers,” he added.

The Rwandan contingent also contributes heavily to operational leadership within UNMISS.

The sector commander in the highly sensitive and flood-prone Unity State is from Rwanda, as well as key officers in the mission’s command structure.

Rwanda’s Deputy Chief of Operations in UNMISS is responsible for the planning and execution of all major missions, further underscoring the leadership role that Rwanda plays in this global peacekeeping effort.

Today, thanks to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through cooperation with Rwanda, the pilgrimage to Kibeho has been significantly improved with smooth tarmac roads.

The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China in 2013, is designed to enhance global trade routes by investing in infrastructure. However, it’s more than just a financial strategy; it’s a visionary project to stimulate economic growth and connectivity across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In Rwanda, the impact of this initiative is visible. One of the most notable projects is the road from Huye to Kibeho, a small town in southern Rwanda renowned for the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in the 1980s. This road, once treacherous and riddled with potholes, is now a smooth tarmac route thanks to Chinese investment.

In March 2019, Rwanda embarked on the construction of the Huye-Kibeho-Ndago-Munini and Ndago-Ngoma road, covering 66 kilometers. Completed in 2022 at a cost of over 70 billion Rwandan Francs, the project faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since become a symbol of progress for the region.

Residents of Nyaruguru, particularly those in Kibeho and nearby areas, have experienced immediate benefits. Previously, the journey was grueling, especially during the rainy season when the roads became muddy and nearly impassable. Today, thanks to this new infrastructure, pilgrims can travel to Kibeho easily, and the road has sparked economic growth.

Taxi-moto operator Theogene Ndagijimana from Mata recalls the difficult conditions before the road’s construction. “It was tough to get a passenger going to Huye,” he shared. “In the rainy season, the road was slippery, and during the dry season, the dust made the journey unbearable.” Now, he says, “It’s easy. Someone can pray all day and be back in Huye by 7 p.m. without worry.”

The new road has also revitalized local businesses. Namukway Molly, a Ugandan restaurant owner in Kibeho, remarked, “After seeing the progress in Kibeho, we decided to open a restaurant here. We serve mostly Ugandan dishes, and now we have customers from as far as Uganda placing orders on their way to Kigali. The road has made everything easier.”

With the increased number of pilgrims, demand for services like accommodation and food has surged, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Farmers are also reaping the benefits, as lower transport costs enable them to easily get their produce to bigger towns.

The Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese, Celestin Hakizimana, emphasized the road’s role in boosting the number of visitors to Kibeho. “Before, many, especially the elderly and tourists, were reluctant to make the journey due to poor road conditions. Now, Kibeho is visited not only on major religious days but throughout the year,” he explained. He noted that on Assumption Day alone, over 85,000 people visited the shrine.

Remarkably, the road has also encouraged more foot pilgrimages. “We have pilgrims who walk all the way from Kigali,” Bishop Hakizimana added. “They stay overnight in Ruhango and continue the next day, confident in the safety and cleanliness of the road.”

Nyaruguru District Mayor, Dr. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, described the transformative effect of the road. “Before this road, Kibeho received between 150,000 and 300,000 pilgrims annually. Now, we see over a million visitors each year. The road has also attracted investment in accommodations and businesses.”

{{China-Rwanda Partnership: More than Just Roads}}

China’s investment in Rwanda’s infrastructure extends beyond religious routes. Roads across the country are being improved, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment. In Nyaruguru District, the Huye-Kibeho road introduced tarmac infrastructure to many for the first time.

This collaboration between China and Rwanda is part of a broader partnership, which in 2024 marked 52 years of diplomatic relations. Over $300 million in infrastructure projects have been completed in Rwanda, with a focus on building capacity for future independent projects.

For many Rwandans, the Huye-Kibeho road is more than just a road; it is a bridge to a better future. It has improved daily life, enhanced safety, and opened doors to new economic opportunities.

As Rwanda continues its journey of development, the road to Kibeho stands as a testament to progress, cooperation, and hope. Thanks to this partnership, pilgrims can now journey to praise the Lord in safety, transforming what was once a test of endurance into a celebration of progress.

A statement issued Wednesday evening by Bayo Onanuga, a senior presidential spokesman, on behalf of Tinubu, described as “devastating” the night inferno in Majiya, a town in the Taura local government area of Jigawa late Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Nigerian leader directed a delegation of senior officials to condole with the families of the deceased, assess the situation at the scene of the incident, and visit scores of injured people in the hospital. He also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the victims receiving treatment and others affected by the tanker fire.

While assuring the citizens of the government’s better commitment to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country, Tinubu further directed the road safety police to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms to prevent recurrences of the incident.

Earlier the police had confirmed at least 90 people killed and 50 others injured following the explosion. The victims were mostly people who had rushed to the scene to collect gasoline after the tanker lost control and overturned, a police spokesman earlier told Xinhua.

A mass burial for the deceased was held Wednesday morning, said Shi’isu Lawan Adam, the spokesman for the police in Jigawa.

They are part of 25 cows, which were reported stolen in Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza districts between July and September, this year.

About 63 people connected to the theft have been arrested in the same period.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said: “Suspects are in four categories; those who steal cows from farms including herdsmen, those who slaughter them, those who transport them and buyers. We have been able to break these chains due to the strong partnership and information sharing with the public.”

He added that increased operations have also led to the arrest of drug traffickers and smugglers.

“Due to these increased operations, drug traffickers and smugglers have resorted to spreading rumours of insecurity and sometimes these gangs attempting to assault people as a way of causing fear so that they do not share information on their cross-border criminal activities.

Some of them have been arrested and the search for other members of the ring is still underway,” ACP Rutikanga said.

The medal pinning ceremony for 180 officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU 3-2) deployed in Bangassou, was presided over by the UN Police Sector Commander East, Abigail Unaeze.

It was also attended by the CAR Governor-East, Victor Bissekoin, force commander in eastern region, Innocent Masse Noudjoutar, local grassroots leaders and peacekeepers from other contributing countries.

Madam Unaeze thanked the decorated officers for their professionalism and serving with pride and courage.

“These eleven months spent within MINUSCA were certainly intense for you, but we celebrate your sacrifice in overcoming the mission challenges to bring about peace and stability in this country,” Unaeze said.

She added: “I will not ignore your many community and humanitarian actions for the benefit of the population such as blood donation, medicine aid, water distribution to the vulnerable population; these define the mandate of protection of civilians.”

The RWAFPU3-2 Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, thanked MINUSCA, CAR leadership, local leaders, Bangassou residents as well as other peacekeepers for the support and partnership in accomplishing the mandate.

He also thanked the officers under his command for the discipline and commitment to international service since their deployment in November 2023.

Rwanda maintains four Police contingents under MINUSCA; three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU).

Rwanda FPU-1 and PSU operate in the capital Bangui while FPU-2 and FPU-3 are deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and Bangassou, respectively.

The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.