Bria, 7 August 2024

Today, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff (ACOS), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, visited the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for the Central African Republic and Head of MINUSCA, Her Excellency Valentine Rugwabiza. This visit followed his meeting with Rwandan peacekeepers (Rwanda Battle Group VI and Level 2+ Hospital) in Bria, Haute-Kotto Prefecture in the eastern part of the Central African Republic (CAR).

The SRSG commended the leadership of the RDF for their contribution to the capacity-building of the Central African Republic Armed Forces by providing basic military training, which has had a positive impact on the protection of CAR citizens. Furthermore, she expressed her appreciation for the Rwandan forces deployed in MINUSCA for their outstanding professionalism in implementing the mandate, even in high-risk zones.

While addressing the soldiers in Bria, the ACOS stated that the purpose of his visit to CAR was to convey a message from the RDF high command, thanking them for their dedicated efforts in protecting civilians within their area of responsibility. He emphasised the importance of maintaining professionalism, avoiding mistakes, upholding the values and ethics of the RDF, and continuing to raise the Rwandan flag high as ambassadors of their country.

In addition, the Army Chief of Staff visited the Level 2+ Hospital under MINUSCA, which provides a range of medical services to MINUSCA personnel deployed in Sector East, including general surgery, anaesthesiology and critical care, physiotherapy, medical imaging, internal medicine, and dental services.