CAR President awards medals to Rwandan Peacekeepers

Bangui, 23 February 2019

Rwandan peacekeepers of Rwanbatt5 serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) were on Saturday decorated with medals by the President of the Republic Prof Faustin Archange Touadera.

The ceremony took place on Saturday at the Renaissance Palace (Palais de la Rennaissance) in the presence of the members of the presidential cabinet, Heads of security organs and other high ranking officials.

The four types of Medals include Commander’s Medal for the Commanding Officer (CO), Central African Recognition Medal (Médaille de Reconnaissance Centrafricaine) for all officers, Medal of the knight (Medaille de la chevalier) for NCOs and First class military medal (medaille de l’etoile militaire) for other ranks.

By this solemn gesture, the president of the Republic and Supreme Chief of the armies, wanted to testify the recognition of the Central African people to the Rwandan contingent for the loyal services made in favor of the recovery of peace and security in RCA.

On behalf of the contingent, the Commanding Officer of Rwanbatt 5 Lt Col Népomuscène RUBAYITA expressed his sincere appreciation, remarkable cooperation and collaboration accorded to the contingent for accomplishing successfully its mandate and mission to protect civilians and cited some achievement registered by the contingent during their tour of duty.

He also thanked the MINUSCA leadership for their guidance and confidence entrusted in Rwanbatt 5 to be part of the President’s and first family protection. 

The outgoing Rwanbatt 5 will start their rotation with the next contingent on 28 February 2019 after a year-long tour of duty in a routine relief in place operation.