Musanze, 3 May 2021

Twenty-five senior military and police officers from South Sudan (Maj Gen – Lt Gen) are participating in the Senior Leadership for Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Course, run by Rwanda Peace Academy in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), in Musanze District.

The five-day course will examine peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts in South Sudan and provide comparative approaches delivered by selected speakers with hands-on experience on the conflict in South Sudan. The course will conclude with a critical focus on the role of the military in national unity and state building and in bringing lasting peace while preventing relapse into conflict.

During his opening remarks, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Rwanda, Maj Gen Albert Murasira emphasized that Rwanda and South Sudan have much in common as both are no strangers to conflict even if context in both countries are different, adding that there are useful lessons both countries can learn from each other.

“The problems in South Sudan like anywhere else can be overcome and indeed they are being addressed. However, optimism is not enough. We, in RDF have learnt that we can play a significant role in building and transforming our military and the nation as a whole, and building sustainable peace,” said Maj Gen Murasira.

In her statement, the South Sudan Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Angelina Jany Teny said that coming out of conflict has never been easy. “Rwanda now is one of the most practical examples used not only in Africa, but even elsewhere in the world. Rwanda has faced the most tragic incidents of our modern history, but has decided to face it by becoming honest about her past. For you Generals, you are the symbol of sovereignty for your people and this is an opportunity to be seized,” said Hon Teny.

Before beginning the course, participants visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Centre in Mutobo as well as the border town of Rubavu. They are also scheduled to visit Rwanda Military Academy at Gako and Mayange Unity and Reconciliation village in Bugesera District before heading back home.