Rwanda Defence Force has started the Relief in Place Operation for its troops deployed in Malakal, under United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The first group of 128 peacekeepers from 157 Infantry Battalion left Kigali on 10th March 2021 to replace the 105 Infantry Battalion, whose first batch arrived home on the same day.
On behalf of RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen JB Kazura, Brig Gen JB Rutikanga (2nd Division Commander) urged the peacekeepers going for the mission to be good ambassadors of Rwanda and exercise their duties with high discipline.
“Be always guided by RDF values and safeguard the good image of Rwanda by performing your mission with discipline,” he told the peacekeepers.
The returning group of RDF peacekeepers were welcomed by Col CM Mujuni (402 Brigade Commander) who congratulated them for having successfully concluded their tour of duty and urged them to maintain discipline in future assignments at home.
During their one-year term in mission, the 105 Infantry Battalion successfully conducted different operations in protection of civilians including security patrols, IDPs protection, humanitarian logistics escort and different civil military activities.
Rwanda maintains three battalions and one Aviation Unit in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Currently, Rwanda is the 3rd biggest troop contributing country in support of UN peacekeeping operations in Darfur (UNAMID), South Sudan (UNMISS), and Central African Republic (MINUSCA). (End)