{A total of 130 RDF soldiers that have been working under African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) have returned home from a peace keeping mission in the Republic of Sudan, having immensely contributed to healthcare services, facilitated Sudanese access to safe water, constructing hospitals, schools and vocational training institutions among others.}
Col. Happy Ruvusha the commander of returned forces said that within 13 months, in Darfur, Rwandan peacekeepers have fulfilled their duties through community support activities, building schools, hospitals and maintaining security.
“We have successfully carried out our mandate in Darfur including the protection of civilians, facilitating access to safe water. Our doctors have treated Sudanese and we have constructed schools and vocational training centers within regions in which we operated,” he said.
Col. Ruvusha highlighted that civilians have appreciated Rwandan peacekeepers achievements adding that all deployed troops returned safely.
Welcoming the gallant officers and men, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, the RDF spokesperson said that deploying peacekeepers in foreign countries is meant to show affection and restore peace to African nations.
“Peacekeeping goes beyond getting soldiers on guard, providing escort services and guarding camps; No! Sustainable peace involves constructing schools to ease children’ access to education and building hospitals among other humanitarian activities,” he said.
Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita lauded returned peacekeepers for fulfilling their duties.
From 17th November 2015, up to 2447 Rwandan soldiers in Darfur peacekeeping missions have been replaced by the same number of Rwandan troops.
Rwanda has more than 5000 soldiers in UN peacekeeping missions in countries Sudan, South Sudan and Central African Republic among others.
During the UN general assembly held in September 2015, president Paul Kagame pledged to increase the number of peacekeepers in UN missions.
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