RWANDAN PEACEKEEPERS IN CAR PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL SERVICES TO PRISONERS IN BRIA TOWN

Rwandan peacekeepers (Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital and RWABG VIII) serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), today provided free medical services to 68 inmates at Bria Prison in Haute-Kotto Prefecture.The medical outreach activity, forms part of the community support initiatives carried out by Rwandan peacekeepers during this week leading up to the UN Day celebrations  on 29 May 2026.

The medical services offered during the outreach included internal medicine, dental care, eye care and dermatology among others. Free medicines were also distributed to the inmates.

Speaking during the activity, Lt Col Dr Isaiah Nzayisenga, deputy Commander of Rwanda Level 2+ hospital said that the initiative aimed to support prisoners who face limited access to healthcare services, noting that health care is essential to human life, especially for people living in difficult conditions.

The Director of Bria Prison, Mahamai Adoum Salle, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan Contingent for their continued medical support to prisoners. “This is not the first time Rwandan peacekeepers have come to provide medical care and medicines to prisoners here in Bria. Normally, when prisoners are taken to outside clinics, medicines must be purchased. However, when the Rwandan contingent conducts such outreach activities, inmates receive treatment and medicines free of charge. We sincerely thank MINUSCA and the Rwandan peacekeepers particularly for this valuable support and hope this cooperation will continue,” he said.

Chief of the Supervision and Health Care Quality Section at the District Sanitary Office of the Haute-Kotto Region, Ponombo Felix, also praised the initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by prisoners in accessing proper healthcare.

“The prison faces serious healthcare challenges, including the absence of a clinic and limited medical capacity. The provision of medicines and specialist doctors by Rwandan Contingent is indeed commendable and hope it will continue,” he said.

The outreach activity reflects the continued commitment of Rwandan peacekeepers under MINUSCA to supporting local communities and improving humanitarian conditions in the Central African Republic.