{{Rwanda Mechanised Infantry Battalion (RwaMechBatt1) serving in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) held disarmament exercise of Seleka fighters in cantonment camp in Bangui. More than 1600 laid down their arms.}}
On Friday 7 March, Rwandan Contingent Commander in MISCA, Lt Col Jean Paul Karangwa met with ‘General’ Issa Isaka and his 1623 Seleka fighters cantoned in Regiment de Defence Operationnelle du Territoire (RDOT) Camp at PK 12 in North Bangui. The aim of the meeting was to persuade them to hand in their weapons.
According to RwaMechBatt1 Forces, after the meeting, Seleka fighters were convinced and agreed to lay down and hand over their arms to Rwanda Peacekeepers serving in MISCA.
“The Seleka Militia accepted the disarmament programme and handed over arms they had in the camp”, said Lt Col Jean Paul Karangwa, RwaMechBatt1 Commander who qualified the exercise as big achievement toward disarmament and demobilisation of all armed groups in CAR.
Seleka fighters cantoned in camp RDOT in Bangui is guarded and protected by Rwanda Peacekeepers and accommodates 1623 Seleka members.
On 27 February, Rwanda Peacekeepers thwarted attack on RDOT camp by the Anti-Balaka armed group who tried-in vain- to enter by force in the camp.
“The Anti-balaka militia armed with grenades tried to enter by force in the RDOT Camp where Seleka are cantoned.
Our Forces on ground contained and repulsed the assailants attack. We condemn this violence and call upon all armed groups and their supporters in CAR to lay down their arms and stop violence.
RwaMechBatt1 forces shall continue to perform their duties with impartiality in providing security to all CAR citizens” said Brigadier General Joseph Nzabamwita, the Rwanda Defence Forces Spokesman.
On 23 February 2014, Rwanda peacekeepers foiled Anti-Balaka jailbreak of Ngaragba prison, 7th arrondissement in Bangui. The prison accommodates leaders of the Central African Republic’s militias.
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