The UNMISS Force Commander visits Rwandan peacekeepers stationed in Juba

Juba, Wednesday 20 February 2019

The UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi visited Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) peacekeepers of Rwanbatt3 (63 Mech InfBn) who are based and operate in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. This RDF Mechanised Infantry Unit will soon wind up their one-year tour of duty with UNMISS and will be relieved by fresh troops from Rwanda.

General Kamanzi’s visit was mainly intended to thank the Rwandan peacekeepers for their remarkable contributions towards South Sudan. He also appreciated the extra task of the RDF unit, being their initial deployment, for having established their Base Camp from scratch and turning it into a decent working and safe environment for their fellow countrymates who will replace them.

“Great work you have done and no matter what time you have spent here should be maintained because only one day is enough to ruin and make of no use everything you have done” said Lt Gen Kamanzi.

Located at Durupi Camp in the outskirts of Juba, the 920-strong RDF 63 Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Rwanbatt 3 in UNMISS terminology) was for the first time deployed early 2018 as part of the newly established Regional Protection Force (RPF). On 12 August 2016, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2304 (2016) authorizing the deployment of a Regional Protection Force (RPF) in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to provide a secure environment in and around Juba.

RDF maintains 3 Infantry Battalions and 1 Aviation Unit under UNMISS with a total strength of 2,793. Other peacekeeping missions supported by RDF are those in Sudan (UNAMID) and the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).