The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, has been on a significant visit to the Central African Republic (CAR), where he met with Rwandan peacekeepers deployed under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
His visit aimed to boost morale, assess ongoing operations, and convey the gratitude of the RDF high command to the peacekeepers for their dedicated service in the region.
On August 8, 2024, Maj Gen Nyakarundi visited Rwandan peacekeepers stationed in Bossembélé, located in the Nana Mambele prefecture in the western part of CAR.
He commended the troops for their vital role in protecting civilians and ensuring the free movement of people and goods along the Main Supply Route 1 (MSR 1), which connects Cameroon to CAR’s capital, Bangui.
CAR’s reliance on the supply route to Cameroon, especially given its landlocked nature, makes securing this road crucial.
For years, the route had been under the control of armed groups like the Return, Reclamation, and Rehabilitation (3R) and the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), which disrupted the free movement of goods and people.
The intervention of Rwandan peacekeepers has been instrumental in stabilizing the area and ensuring the security of this key economic lifeline.
While in Bossembélé, Maj Gen Nyakarundi praised the peacekeepers for their professionalism and effectiveness, emphasizing that their work in protecting civilians and securing vital infrastructure has been recognized both by the RDF high command and the international community.
He relayed feedback from his earlier meeting with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for CAR, Her Excellency Valentine Rugwabiza, who commended the Rwandan forces for their commitment and professionalism in carrying out their peacekeeping mandate in challenging conditions.
A day earlier, on August 7, 2024, Maj Gen Nyakarundi visited Bria in the eastern part of CAR, where he met with Rwandan peacekeepers from the Rwanda Battle Group VI and personnel from the Level 2+ Hospital under MINUSCA.
During this visit, he also had discussions with SRSG Rugwabiza, who highlighted the RDF’s significant contributions to building the capacity of the Central African Republic Armed Forces through basic military training. This training has had a profound impact on enhancing the protection of CAR citizens.
In his address to the soldiers in Bria, Maj Gen Nyakarundi underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism, avoiding mistakes, and upholding the values and ethics of the RDF.
He reminded them of their responsibility as ambassadors of Rwanda, urging them to continue representing their country with pride and dedication.
Additionally, the Army Chief of Staff toured the Level 2+ Hospital, which provides essential medical services to MINUSCA personnel in Sector East. The hospital offers a wide range of services, including general surgery, anesthesiology, critical care, physiotherapy, medical imaging, internal medicine, and dental care, ensuring the health and well-being of those deployed in the region.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi’s visit to both Bossembélé and Bria underscores the RDF’s ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and the critical role that Rwandan peacekeepers play in stabilizing conflict zones and protecting vulnerable populations.
The dedication and professionalism of these troops not only enhance the security of the Central African Republic but also raise the Rwandan flag high in the international arena.
