RDF, US Military launch ‘Exercise Shared Accord 19’

Gabiro, 14 August 2019

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in partnership with the United States Military have today launched a peacekeeping exercise codenamed Shared Accord 19 which is being hosted in Rwanda for the second time.

For the next two weeks, 1200 military/police personnel and civilians from 26 countries, AU, ICRC and UN will be trained to command and control a realistic multinational/multidimensional UN/AU Peacekeeping Operation. This training will help improve not only the interoperability and capabilities of participants but it is also an opportunity to share knowledge and experience with our partners.

While officiating at the opening ceremony, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba said that Rwanda remains committed to offer its contribution towards achieving global peace and security. 

“It is in this regard that we participate in UN missions where our troops not only support attainment of sustainable peace and security in affected countries but also have been at the forefront in advocating for necessary improvements in UN peacekeeping modus operandi focusing more on the protection of civilians,” Gen Nyamvumba said.

Shared Accord 19 comprises of a Field Training Exercise (FTX) which will be conducted at the RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro along with a Command Post Exercise (CPX) at Rwanda Military Academy-Gako and a Medical Readiness Exercise (MEDREX) at Rwanda Military Hospital in Kanombe from 14-29 August 2019.

Currently, Rwanda is the second biggest Troop/Police contributing country in support of UN/AU peacekeeping mandates.