Located in Cabo Delgado in the northern part of Mozambique, ‘1st May’ is 10- kilometer away from Macimboa da Praia considered the stronghold for rebels behind insecurity in the country.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
They have been also plotting attacks to neighboring countries including Tanzania from the base.
Today’s fighting saw RDF killing four insurgents and seizing weapons including four RPGs, 3 SMGs and various documents. Rwandan troops have vanquished rebels from ‘1st May’ after maneuvering through Njama.
The attack has been plotted in 65 kilometers away from Afungi airport protected by personnel from RNP.
Afungi is among two major mobility corridors that Rwandan and Mozambican troops have maneuvered through to reach Mocimboa da Praia considered the stronghold for rebels.
Today’s attack leaves ‘1st May’ in the hands of RDF becoming an addition to “Quelimane 2” and other areas of concentration seized from rebels.
It is expected that displaced citizens will return home after quelling insurgents in Mocimboa da Praia.
Rwanda deployed troops to Mozambique to fight insurgency following the request of President Filipe Nyusi.
The forces were expected to join hands with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops which also arrived in Mozambique but have not yet started operations.
VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in the chest.
During a VATS procedure, a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into your chest through one or more small incisions in your chest wall. The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure.
The delegation led by Dr. Diego González Rivas, a specialist in thoracic surgery came to offer a 2-day masterclass on single incision video-assisted thoracic surgery at King Faisal Hospital.
Rwanda has one specialist in thoracic surgery at King Faisal Hospital. The training is expected to increase the number of doctors with such expertize in Rwanda.
Dr. González hailing from Japan came to Rwanda along with other specialists from China, Morocco, Spain and Russia.
They are set to spend two days at the hospital and chart ways for future cooperation.
Speaking to the media, Dr. González explained that he started applying the minimally invasive thoracic surgery in 2010 in Japan and has since then toured different countries to train other medical doctors.
He highlighted that Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is different from the traditional technique which is painful and takes long for recovery.
“The difference between thoracotomy [classic one] and single incision video-assisted thoracic surgery is that we have to do a big incision, spread the ribs make at least 12 cm incision, and create a big hole on the chest to operate with direct view. This is very painful for the patient because he/she has to stay at the hospital around ten days,” he said.
“With this technique, we use small incision like two centimeter incision and we can do the same with thoracoscopic instruments and the endoscopic camera and operate the patient watching the screen. We don’t need to put hands inside the chest. That is the patient has less pain, better recovery and can go home in two days with little pain. The difference is very huge,” added Dr. González.
Dr. González revealed that he developed this technique since 2010 and has been traveling around the world to train medical doctors.
“I have operated in around 120 countries so far. Most of visited countries started developing this technique. Of these, more than 20 countries are African countries. The technique is nowadays being performed all over the world that some countries use it as the main approach,” he underscored.
Dr. González further stated that the training is the beginning for future collaboration.
“I came here because I wanted to teach doctors how to do it better. The team is interested and we shall continue to keep in touch. They may come to our training center or come back to assist them,” he noted.
The CEO of King Faisal Hospital, Prof. Miliard Derbew has explained that discussions with the delegation led by Dr. González so that similar trainings can be offered locally
The mechanism to facilitate such trainings is to be put in place so that Rwandan doctors can be acquainted with necessary skills in nine months.
During his visit on Friday 6th August 2021, Touadéra was accompanied by government officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi.
Touadéra toured different parts of the model village including a health center, accommodations, Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), primary and secondary school.
He was taken through the background of the model village inaugurated on 4th July 2021 as Rwanda marked the 27th Liberation Day which is home to residents from informal settlements.
Located in 12 kilometers away from Musanze town, Kinigi Model Village was constructed by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
It is made of six three-storey blocks with 24 homes each. A home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room, with ready furniture, beds, mattresses and a television set.
The model village also has poultry houses for 8000 chickens and sheds for other livestock, nursery school, health post, business center workshop, playgrounds and kitchen gardens among others.
Construction activities were completed at a cost of Rwf 26, 611, 466, 699 of which Rwf8, 047,653,297 was allocated for construction of homes, Rwf1, 589, 619, 026 for health center while Rwf3,350, 166, 058 was utilized to build a school and Early Childhood Development Center at the village.
Among others; Rwf1, 874, 637, 199 was utilized to buy 102 cows and 8000 chickens for resettled residents; business center workshop, garden preparation and planting fruit trees cost Rwf1, 874, 637, 199 while the remaining activities including tarmac road, electricity installation and expropriation took Rwf11 billion.
Minister Gatabazi explained that construction of model villages began as Rwanda’s home grown solution initiated by President Paul Kagame.
“As he toured different sections of the model village, President Touadéra wanted to know how such villages come into existence. He was specifically keen on witnessing livelihoods of resettled residents and how beneficiaries are selected. We told him that Kinigi is a major hotspot for tourism activities where tourists visiting Virunga National Park are also curious to interact with residents. We also explained how residents in the surroundings of this park benefit from tourism revenues to improve livelihoods,” he said.
Gatabazi revealed Rwanda’s model can be emulated in CAR as a country mired by conflicts to resettle citizens.
“CAR is a country that has dreadful experiences with wars that have not yet ended. Citizens have been faced with insecurity but need decent settlement in model villages after overcoming these problems through elections,” he said.
Touadéra was elected CAR President for the second term during elections held in December 2020. At the time, Rwanda sent special forces to secure selections.
On the first day of his visit to Rwanda, both countries signed four bilateral agreements in the areas of defence cooperation, mining, transport and economic development.
So far, he has visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum located at the Parliament Building in Kimihurura and headquarters of Rwanda Defence Force.
Touadéra will also tour several conservation and eco-tourism destinations before his departure on 8th August.
“Great sportsmen impact their games. Great leaders impact their communities. Masai Ujiri does both, and we’re very pleased he is returning to the Raptors as vice-chairman and president,” Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment chairman Larry Tanenbaum said.
“Masai and MLSE share the goals of bringing another NBA Championship to Toronto, and off the court, working towards making our city, country and world a better place. These are exciting times, and we look forward to all that comes next for our team, for Masai and for his family. Masai, we’re glad you’re staying home.”
Ujiri has led the Raptors since 2013. During his tenure, the Raptors have moved into their state-of-the-art practice facility at OVO Athletic Centre, hosted an NBA All-Star Game, formed Raptors 905, their G League franchise, and in 2019 won the NBA Championship, the first team outside the United States to accomplish the feat.
“On the court, our goal is clear: to bring another championship to Toronto. Our team is united in that mission. Nothing else will do. We will bring young talent to this city. We will value the veteran players who got us here,” Ujiri said. “I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again: We will win in Toronto.”
Ujiri’s commitment to his work off the court remains unwavering. He continues as president of Giants of Africa, the non-profit he co-founded in 2003, which urges youth to Dream Big and uses sports as a tool for advancement. This summer, he will travel to Africa to unveil new GOA-funded sports infrastructures, so youth there will have access to quality facilities.
In addition to his work with GOA, Ujiri intends to take on new challenges, including advocating for equality and fair treatment for marginalized people in the justice system, and focusing on the issue of child soldiers and peace. In 2020, Masai launched thatshumanity.org, inspired by his experiences and the lessons learned from leaders like Nelson Mandela. His non-profit interests will be represented by WME.
“To be able to stand with Larry Tanenbaum and the MLSE board as we confront these challenges is huge,” Ujiri said. “To share a vision of what we believe can be possible, and understand the work we have to do to get there, is a huge reason I’m so glad to be back in Toronto. I am very grateful for their confidence and their support.”
Ujiri grew up in Zaria, Nigeria. He played at college basketball in the United States, and began his career in professional sports as a scout. Ujiri was appointed general manager of the Denver Nuggets in 2011, becoming the first African GM in pro sports, and won the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year award. In Toronto, he has also served as director of global scouting and assistant general manager.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ms Liberata Mulamula, said in Dar es Salaam on Thursday that some of the lessons learnt during the visit include developing infrastructure and putting in place a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
According to Ms Mulamula, it was also useful to note how bolstering Export Processing Zones (EPZs) can boost the country’s chances of attracting investors.
“We developed our own EPZs some years back; but it looks like there were some issues that needed to be worked on,” said Ms Mulamula, briefing journalists on major takeaways from President Hassan’s just-ended two-day visit to Rwanda.
In efforts to improve Rwanda’s balance of payments, factories operating under the Special Economic Zones system in that country are required to export at least 40 percent of their products.
Until 2016, figures from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) show that Tanzanian businesses had invested slightly over US$80 million in Rwanda’s economy.
She said the Tanzanian delegation saw just how having a conducive investment environment – including economic infrastructure like roads, water and electricity – helps to attract investors.
{{Business environment}}
Rwanda is in a league of its own when it comes to improving the business environment.
It jumped an impressive 76 places – from 143 to 67 – on the World Bank’s Doing Business 2010 Report, becoming the first African country to top the list as the world’s biggest business reformer.
However, Rwanda did not rest on its laurels – and has continued to improve year after year. It was the second easiest place to do business in in Africa – and the 38th globally in the 2020 World Bank Doing Business Report.
The Reports, which are compiled annually, assess 190 countries using 10 indicators in business regulation. These include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.
Rwanda was ranked second in Africa after Mauritius – and first in the East African Community. It is also the only low-income country in the Top 50.
The Report also has Rwanda’s global ranking drop to 38th place from 29th last year, mainly caused by the World Bank’s change in reporting methodology.
With President Hassan stepping up efforts to improve Tanzania’s business environment since she assumed office on March 19, 2021, analysts believe this should rank high on the list of takeaways.
Most of the shared views stem from President Hassan’s visit to two strategic factories established in Rwanda by foreign investors: a Volkswagen car assembly, and the Mara Phones Factory.
Analysts expressed mixed sentiments, following Rwanda’s performance as an ideal investment hot-spot, with most stating that Tanzania as East Africa’s second-biggest economy needs to be at the forefront in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).
During a discussion on the social audio space ‘Kumekucha’ on ClubHouse, the Member of Parliament for Nzega Rural, the former Tourism minister Hamis Kigwangalla, commented on the matter, saying Tanzanian laws, culture and political spectrum play a big role in dictating the country’s direction for socioeconomic development.
“We need leaders who have the intention and hunger to see Tanzania develop. What will make us succeed is not our geographical position or our ports, but systems that are deeply entrenched in our financial mechanism and cultural alignment. That’s how we will attract investors like the Mara Group,” he counselled.
Kigwangalla – who is also a businessman and the proprietor of a few investments in Tanzania – said that during his time as Tourism minister, he held meetings with investors. One of the things they complained about was high taxes.
“Investors are made to pay multiple taxes, some of them inordinately high. This discourages both local and foreign investors from investing in Tanzania. Such taxes and bureaucratic tendencies have an adverse impact on the tourism sector, with small tour companies failing to keep the business going,” he stressed.
Kigwangalla suggested possible solutions to some of the problems that impede Tanzania’s business potential. According to him, a cultural revolution is very important.
“This can be passed through our education system for future generations,” he said.
He added that leadership ideology (socialism) and economic ideology need to go hand in hand. “We can have Ujamaa along a free market economy.”
Referencing a book titled ‘Why Nations Fail’ by economists Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, Kigwangalla said Tanzania has what it takes to become prosperous. However, there were a few areas – especially in leadership, education, and culture – that need to be revisited.
One of the attendees of the social audio space, Peter Serukamba said Tanzania has advantages over the other countries in the region: geographical edge and natural resources. “Why haven’t these been fully utilized? We need to look at where we have failed in this… The impediments to investment, unpredictable laws, being overly skeptical about investors’ motives,” he lamented.
{{Plentiful opportunities}}
Being the second largest economy in East Africa, Tanzania has a lot to offer and benefit from its ties with Rwanda.
According to Ms Mulamula, during the visit, Tanzania secured a number of investment opportunities that it needs to tap – especially in providing raw materials for Rwandan industries, as well as preparing a curriculum for teaching Swahili in that country.
During the visit, the entourage included ministers from strategic sectors, including the ministers for Works, Transport and Communication; for Industry and Trade; Mand for Investments. There also were heads of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Air Tanzania Company Limited and Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC).
She noted that the trip was in response to an invitation from Rwanda President Paul Kagame that also focused on strengthening neighbouring relations but also an opportunity for the President to introduce herself to President Kagame and his people at large. Following the State visit to Rwanda, President Hassan has finalized her trips to neighbouring countries except Southern Sudan.
“Both the President’s talked about pushing strategic projects in both countries including the optic fibre backbone by having an agreement that ensures Rwanda uses our fibre to strengthen its information sector,” she said.
Further President Hassan toured its automobile industries and learnt that Tanzania could be a potential market taking into consideration that they produce three to six for their own use but if Tanzania became a reliable market they could increase. In view of this, she said President Hassan directed ministers in charge of the sector to follow up and identify markets for the cars.
Ms Mulamula said Rwanda also had a mobile phone industry identified as Maraphone, a good thing that has created employment especially for women.
“Tanzania could also provide granite minerals for production of phones and car batteries which is an opportunity to export raw materials,” she said.
She said on medicine, they agreed that both countries could assist each other with Covid-19 facilities and that was why it was important to sign an MoU to signal the agreement.
Meanwhile, she said they also agreed to cooperate in the transport sector especially as Rwanda depends on Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port by 90 percent for both imports and exports. According to her, Rwanda also requested to be allowed to use the Tanga port which they have started.
On the issue of Kiswahili language, she said Rwanda said it planned to make it a national language and include it in its education curriculum of which President Kagame requested for experts from Tanzania to help in its preparation
About immigration, she said the immigration department has been directed to facilitate smooth passing of people from both countries.
The statement released last night shows that 629 people have caught the virus out of 12180 sample tests, 25 recovered while 44 are critically ill.
A total of 601,357 people have been fully vaccinated since Rwanda began the countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
Present was also the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and DIGPs Felix Namuhoranye of Operations and Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza of Administration and Personnel.
The retirees include four Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), six senior officers, 102 junior officers, 80 non-commissioned officers as well as 24 constables.
Minister Busingye thanked the retirees for their sacrifice and dedicated service to their country, and for retiring with honour and dignity.
“Some of you were part of the liberation struggle and pioneers of this professional Police force. This is the time to look back at your journey in active service, the values, unity, peace and security you fought for. It is time to recognize and celebrate the contribution of each and every one of you in this liberation journey, which continues. You served a country that appreciates,” Minister Busingye said.
“Where you live, travel, go to church, where your children go to school; maintain discipline, be exemplary and good ambassadors. Continue to serve your country in many other capacities in your communities and in your new life,” he added.
People in Rwanda, he said, sleep well and feel safer due to dedicated Police officers who work day and night, 24/7 adding that this is a yardstick for the trust Rwandans have in their Police force. He further took time to laud the role of RNP in fighting the pandemic of Covid-19 through enforcement of the directives and awareness of the prevention practices.
IGP Munyuza, on his part, thanked the retirees for their contribution in building a professional Police force and ensuring a safer and secure country.
“Your dedicated service and love for your country will continue to be remembered and what you fought for will be sustained by those that you have left behind,” IGP Munyuza said.
Although the officers have retired from active service, the Police Chief reminded them that their services will be required whenever need arises. He further urged them to continue sustaining what they strived for and achieved as well as the values and honesty, which defined them throughout their career.
“Your thoughts and ideas are still needed to further build a secure country that befits Rwandans. Be good ambassadors for Rwanda National Police (RNP); continue to be Police partners to fight anything that can cause insecurity including Covid-19, and be part of all activities geared towards the country’s sustainable development,” IGP Munyuza told the retirees.
ACP (rtd) Anthony Kulamba, who spoke on behalf of the retirees, expressed joy for the pride accorded to them as they retire from active service.
“We thank His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda for having led the liberation struggle, stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and reunited Rwandans, a strong pillar for the new and peaceful Rwanda we all enjoy today.
We thank him for his visionary leadership, a foundation for strong institutions and good governance. The RNP is one of those strong institutions that were founded on this visionary leadership, and we are joyful to have been part of this family,” Kulamba said.
He added: “We are happy for serving our country in this capacity and honoured for this day when we are retiring with pride. We have retired from active service but we will continue to serve our country in other capacities in our communities as we join hands with local leaders and the people to sustain and build on what was achieved,” he added.
The narcotics were seized from eight dealers, who were alsl arrested in the operations conducted on Wednesday and Thursday in Rubavu, Huye, Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts.
In Rubavu, Cyanzarwe Sector, Ryabigezi Cell, Musende Village, one Ami de Dieu Habufiteyezu, 23, was arrested on Wednesday, August 4, with 212 pellets of cannabis which he was retailing to local consumers.
“Area residents in Ryabigezi Cell reported on August 5, that Habufiteyezu was selling drugs to local consumers, Police swiftly conducted an operation and found him with 212 pellets,” CIP Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said.
He added that Police is also still searching for a taxi-moto operator identified as Olivier Uwiringiyimana, who dropped a bundle of cannabis weighing 60kgs and fled, on Thursday, July 5, in Hehu Cell, Bugeshi Sector of Rubavu District.
Uwiringiyimana was at the time transporting the bundle of narcotics on a motorcycle plate number RE 686D.
Meanwhile in Huye District, Huye Sector, Nyakagezi Cell, two suspected drug dealers; Richard Kwitonda, 24, and one only identified as Nyiramisago were apprehended with combined 1/2kgs and143 pellets of cannabis.
The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police(SP) Theobald Kanamugire said that the suspects were arrested following information provided by local residents.
They were arrested on Wednesday as they were selling the narcotics to their consuming clients.
“Kwitonda was arrested red-handed with 143 pellets of cannabis in Nyakagezi cell, he disclosed that he got them from Nyiramisago, a suspected major supplier, who was located at her home and arrested with other narcotics,” SP Kanamugire said.
In Gasabo District, Gisozi Sector, Ruhango Cell, Kanyinya Village, the duo of Jeanne Mutoni, 25, and Josephine Mukarutesi, 40, were arrested with combined 525 pellets.
Mutoni and Mukarutesi were allegedly concealing the narcotics in groceries and selling them in Budurira trading center.
In the operations conducted in Nyarugenge District, Nyakabanda Sector, Nyakabanda I Cell; Police arrested Samuel Iyakaremye alias Bironda, 53, Protais Rukundo, 31, and Eric Kabanda alias Jimmy, 30. They were found at the home of Iyakaremye where they were at the time abusing drugs, and where 345 pellets of cannabis were also recovered.
All the suspects were handed over to RIB for further legal process
The Ministerial order Nº 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis among the “very severe narcotic drugs.”
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million
Any person, who in any way, eats, drinks, injects himself/herself, inhales or one who anoints oneself with psychotropic substances, commits an offence and faces between one and two years in prison, or subject to a penalty of community service.
Thirty-nine Police officers currently attending the eighth intake of the ‘Police Junior Command and Staff Course (PJCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District, have study a study tour.
The internal study tour conducted on Friday, August 6, is part of the four-month course meant to link theories to realities on the ground.
On Friday, the students visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum located at the parliamentary building, and the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Remera, Gasabo District.
At the campaign Against Genocide museum, they were given deep understanding on the liberation struggle and the fight against the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
They were explained how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was organized and executed by the then ruling dictatorial government.
The students were also given light on how the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) took a bold decision to stop the Genocide.
At the National Heroes’ Mausoleum, the officers laid wreaths in honour of national heroes.
Deo Nkusi, the Executive Secretary of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) explained to the Police students on the requirements for one to be considered as a hero.
“Today’s national heroes are not only those with higher level education or from great families. They became heroes due to special accomplishments of public interest they achieved, sacrificed themselves to liberate their country, others showed high levels of proven integrity and patriotism, among others, which are based to be classified as a national hero under the three categories; Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
Nicholas Rwaka, the director of research in Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor (CHENO) urged the students to become ambassadors and inform their subordinates that they can perform and be heroes.
“Our heroes showed high achievements and rescued the lives of Rwandans which were to perish. There are other factors including having a sense of direction for the development for all, not being selfish but concerned for others,” said Rwaka
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Jean Marie Vianney Nzayisenga, one of the students attending the Police Junior Command and Staff Course, said that the tour was rich in terms of historical information.
“We were studying theories and this is the practical part, which is equally important for our course. We got vast information to guide us, learn from them as commanders, who sacrified themselves to liberate our country. They set an example, and we should learn from them and follow in their footsteps,” said CIP Nzayisenga.
He was received by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Jean Bosco Kazura.
Discussions were also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta among other senior RDF officers.
Touadéra and RDF leaders and discussed how to strengthen the existing relationship between the CAR and RDF militaries.
Minister Murasira has told the media that Touadéra voiced appreciation for the contribution of Rwandan soldiers to restore peace in his country.
“He has hailed the discipline of our soldiers deployed to UN peacekeeping mission in CAR as well as forces sent to the country under bilateral agreements,” he said.
As incorporated in agreements signed on Thursday, Maj Gen Murasira said, Rwanda is set to help CAR to build professional military.
“We also discussed how RDF can be part of the journey to restructure and professionalize the CAR Armed Forces. The process has already started with a bilateral defence agreement already signed and we are together looking at how we can help in this process,” he revealed.
Touadéra arrived in Rwanda on Thursday for a four-day state visit.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport; he was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
He was also received by Kagame at Urugwiro Village where both heads of state held closed-door meeting and later witnessed the signing of four bilateral agreements before addressing members of the press.
These agreements were signed in the areas of mining, transport development, security and economic development.
As they delivered remarks, both heads of state recommitted to further strengthen bilateral ties for mutual interests.
Rwanda and CAR have been for long enjoying cordial relations whereby Rwanda is helping the country engulfed by wars to restore peace.
Rwandan troops have been deployed to CAR peacekeeping mission since 2014.
On 20th December 2020, Rwanda deployed more special forces to CAR under existing bilateral cooperation signed in 2019.
Ahead of Touadéra’s visit, Rwanda started the deployment of an additional Infantry Battalion of 750 military personnel on Tuesday 3rd August 2021 to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
