{{The first batches of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) serving under United Nations-African Union Hybrid Mission (UNAMID) returned home from Darfur region (Sudan). }}
The first to arrive, on 20th January, were 270 of 63 Infantry battalion.
The same number from 53 Infantry battalion boarded Rwanda Air to replace their colleagues in Zalingei. The routine rotation of replacing 3200 RDF Peacekeepers comes after a nine-month tour of duty.
The Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Frank Kamanzi Mushyo, who briefed the RDF Peacekeepers emphasized on maintaining high discipline “discipline is the foundation of everything you do”.
Addressing those coming from UNAMID Mission, he said that RDF received reports indicating that the Peacekeepers did good job not only in protecting civilians but also in addressing local concerns through quick impact projects in different parts of Darfur.
RDF Peacekeepers exported Rwandan values to Darfur of searching home grown solutions through community work. According to Defence and Military Spokesman, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita the RDF peacekeepers introduced community work in Darfur, built schools for Darfur students, market for women and other important projects.
These projects build strong relationship between peacekeepers and local community. For example, one of the IDP camp in Tawila was named “Rwanda Camp”.
The rotation exercise is planned to end on 14 February 2013.
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