{Rwanda Defence Force has concluded a relief in place operation for 3200 troops deployed in UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan. The last batch of troops arrived at Kigali International Airport on 30th November 2013, late evening.}
The Army Chief of Staff (ACOS), Maj Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi received them at the Airport on behalf of the Chief of Defence, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba. Other RDF officers and men were also present to welcome them. The ACOS congratulated the troops for a good job well done in a period of nine month of duty in Darfur.
“We have been following your activities, the reports we received showed that you have done well. You were good ambassadors of the country and this is why we came here to congratulate you in the name of RDF leadership and Rwandans in general”.
Maj Gen Kamanzi urged the soldiers to build on the experience they acquired in mission so as to enrich Rwanda Defence Force both at home and during other missions outside.
The RDF Spokesperson, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, said that the relieved contingent headed by Col Ludoviko Mugisha performed different activities in addition of security duties while in mission. “They built 12 classrooms, 2 health centers, energy saving stoves known as rondereza and other environmental projects for Darfurians. RDF is continuing its endeavor towards working with other nations to foster peace in the world through peacekeeping mission”, he added.
Brig Gen Nzabamwita further said “Our Officers and men have done a good job. They attribute this to discipline and good leadership both at home and in the mission area, where Brig Gen Norbert Kalimba, Joint Chief of Staff of UNAMID and Col Willy Bagabe, Sector Commander work closely with both the Contingent to achieve their mission”.
Rwanda is the sixth major troop and police contributing country worldwide with military and police officers serving in different countries under UN missions including South Sudan, Sudan, Mali, Haiti, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast.
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