Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

In an official statement released on the evening of October 16, 2024, the RDF responded to three specific allegations made by journalist Barbara Debout, dismissing them as false.

One claim involved the alleged rape of “Jeanne,” a vegetable and fruit vendor, by a Rwandan peacekeeper at the Bangui base in 2023. The RDF clarified that their peacekeeping bases in CAR do not admit unregistered civilians without official business, making the claim impossible.

Another accusation concerned the alleged rape of “twenty-eight-year-old Grace” in the northern town of Paoua. The RDF emphasized that no Rwandan peacekeepers have ever been deployed in that area, rejecting the claim outright.

The third allegation involved the rape of “two women in Ndassima,” a location 400 kilometers from Bangui. The RDF stated that neither Rwandan bilateral forces nor Rwandan MINUSCA peacekeepers had ever been stationed in Ndassima, making the accusations baseless.

RDF stressed that sexual violence against civilians by peacekeepers is unacceptable and that it takes all accusations against its troops seriously.

However, they maintained that the claims presented by the journalist were fabricated.

RDF also pointed out that, by the author’s own account of comments from displaced civilians in Bria, sexual assaults that had been occuring previously stopped when Rwandan troops were deployed in the area.

Highlighting the discipline and integrity of its peacekeepers, the RDF underscored that Rwandan troops have upheld their mission with respect for local communities and adherence to the core values of civilian protection and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Over the past 20 years, Rwandan peacekeepers have been recognized for their effectiveness and reputation.

“The RDF will continue to support peace and stability in the Central African Republic and wherever else Rwandan peacekeepers are deployed,” the RDF concluded.

The Rwandan troops were deployed to assist the Central African Republic (CAR) when armed groups in the north united to form the rebel group Séléka, which attempted an unsuccessful coup d’état.

Rwandan soldiers have been present in CAR since early 2014. Initially part of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), the mission later transitioned to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which began on April 10, 2014.

Their mandate includes protecting civilians, UN assets, and the President of CAR.

In 2020, Rwanda sent additional troops to the Central African Republic through bilateral agreements between the two countries.

In April 2022, CAR President Prof. Archange Touadéra commended the RDF for its exceptional role in restoring peace and stability, awarding medals to Rwandan troops for their outstanding contributions during challenging times.

The medal award ceremony took place at the office of President, Palais dela Renaissance, in Bangui capital city and was attended by different CAR government officials and the Chief of General Staff of Central African Republic Armed Forces.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony held in the parliamentary building, where he was accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, President Kagame honored Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera ‘s legacy.

The event, attended by senior government officials and family members, included a moment of silence in remembrance of the late colonel.

Reflecting on his connection with Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera, President Kagame recalled knowing him since the 1970s, describing him as one of the first individuals to envision a plan for Rwandans in exile to return home.

Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s commitment to Rwanda was highlighted as a cornerstone in the movement that helped Rwandans in exile, from neighboring countries and beyond, return and rebuild their nation.

“I know him well. He played a significant role and sacrificed himself to the best of his ability, just as he did when working with others,” he remarked.

When the Liberation Struggle began, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera stood with other patriotic Rwandans and contributed significantly to the cause.

Even though he is no longer alive, Kagame said, he lived to witness the impact of his sacrifices and efforts for national unity and progress.

The President emphasized Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s dedication, noting that despite external influences attempting to sway him from his mission, he remained steadfast in his commitment to Rwanda’s development.

Kagame expressed gratitude for Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s service, urging those present to not only mourn his death but also celebrate his life and legacy.

Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s brother, Col (Rtd) Kamili Karege, spoke on behalf of the family, providing insights into his life.

He thanked the government for its unwavering support during his brother’s battle with cancer, which he fought for 13 years.

Born on May 20, 1954, in Kayonza District, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera fled to Uganda with his family in 1962 where he pursued his primary and secondary education.

He later pursued a degree in human medicine at Makerere University and worked in various hospitals in Kenya before joining the National Resistance Army in Uganda.

In 1990, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera joined the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) during the Liberation Struggle, where he led medical services.

Following the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera became Rwanda’s first Minister of Health.

He also served as the Minister of Education, Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Africa, a senator, and a member of the National Elders Advisory Forum prior to [his demise->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/former-minister-col-rtd-dr-joseph-karemera-passes-on].

Julienne Uwacu, Second Vice Chairperson of Unity Club Intwararumuri, praised Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera’s contributions to national development, stating that his legacy would always be cherished.

His funeral service preceded by a mass at Regina Pacis before he was laid to rest.

Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera is survived by his wife, Anne Numutali, and their seven children.

The spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety, Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Kayigi, said the operations that started last week, target taxi hires or rental cars that have been turned into public service vehicles, school buses that also conduct public transport and regional buses that operate in town service.

“It has been observed that some transport companies or vehicles operate contrary to their transport authorization license and routes, which affects other transport companies and cause disorder. As a result, Police and RURA are conducting operations to enforce this transport policy. So far, 45 vehicles have been impounded,” SP Kayigi said.

He added that rental cars especially 7-seaters have resorted to town service transport.

He said: “Some buses going to the Eastern Province, for example, load passengers going to Remera or Kabuga from Nyabugogo. When they are coming back, they load people in Kabuga or Remera going to Nyabugogo.

“The same goes for buses from the Southern Province, that opt for town service as they approach Ruliba Clays. Some school buses also conduct public transport when they are not transporting students. This affect companies that are licensed to conduct town service transport.”

Three young girls from Kapuri Primary School fondly recalled their first encounter with Rwandan soldiers. As they exited their school, they were greeted by the soldiers in Kinyarwanda, a language they had never heard before but quickly embraced, repeating the greetings at home.

Today, these girls—Sarah, Helen, and Charity—are in the 8th grade, preparing for their national exams. With aspirations of pursuing careers in science and theology, they attribute much of their success to the improved school environment, noting the trees, flowers, and overall cleanliness.

The school in Kapuri, built in September 2014 by Rwandan soldiers who noticed students studying under a tree, has become a beacon of hope for the community.

What began as a makeshift learning space under trees has transformed into a fully functioning educational institution, officially opened in 2015. This initiative is just one example of the positive impact the Rwandan soldiers have had as part of their peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, echoing similar contributions they have made in other countries since their involvement in Darfur in 2004.

The school, once home to 200 students, now serves 540, a testament to its growing reputation. Parents recognize its quality, with one parent noting that if children aren’t registered early, they risk missing out on enrollment. As he said, the school’s popularity highlights the profound changes brought about by the Rwandan troops’ involvement.

Rwanda is one of the largest contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, with over 2,500 soldiers and 400 police officers deployed. South Sudan, a nation that has long been troubled by conflict, has benefited greatly from this assistance.

After gaining independence in 2011, peace was short-lived, and civil war between factions led by President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and affecting vital resources like oil.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Kabera, Deputy Spokesperson for the RDF, reflected on the stark difference between 2016, when he first served in South Sudan, and today. “In 2016, there was war. Now, people are returning, and life is returning to normal in the city,” he said.

Since their arrival in 2014, Rwandan troops have undertaken various community projects alongside their peacekeeping duties. Lt. Col. Kabera emphasized, “Our primary duty is to protect civilians, but we also carry out community projects like building schools.”

In addition to constructing educational facilities, the troops provide essential items such as stoves, water kiosks, and sports equipment to local communities.

During a recent community outreach event, Rwandan soldiers distributed school supplies and hygiene products, including sanitary pads for girls.

Suzie Nyokajong, an English teacher at Kapuri Primary and Nursery School, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the improvements.

“We faced many challenges, but thanks to the support of the Rwandan troops, things have changed. Our school is now clean, and our students are performing well,” she said.

Nyokajong also noted the increase in both students and teachers, adding that the beautification efforts, with trees and flowers planted around the school, have created an environment that promotes learning and personal growth.

The ongoing peace and development initiatives led by the Rwandan troops continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of South Sudanese communities, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of peacekeeping efforts beyond the battlefield.