EDITORIAL: To our returning peacekeepers, welcome back

Last week, the President of Central of Africa Republic (CAR), Catherine Samba-Panza, awarded medals and certificates to Rwanda Defence Forces peacekeepers upon completion of their year-long tour of duty in her country. President Samba-Panza, whose security and that of other top government officials, was effectively entrusted to the Rwandan troops as soon as they arrived in CAR in January 2014, paid a glowing tribute to the Rwandan peacekeepers, saying: “We can’t forget to appreciate you. If you had not intervened, we do not know what could have happened. Thank you again”. The 850 Rwandan men and women in uniform, who have been serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (Minusca), have since January 22 been returning home and being replaced by another 750 troops in the first rotation exercise involving RDF peacekeepers serving in CAR. It is the tradition of RDF, and indeed that of Rwanda, to not sing their own praises about the achievements registered against whatever odds. Regardless of the heroic circumstances surrounding their accomplishments, there is always that tendency to remain unassuming and modest about it. That’s admirable because it enables the armed forces and country to keep a single-minded focus. From mediating between warring tribes and building schools and health centres in the remote villages of Darfur, introducing ‘Umuganda’ in Haiti, to wrestling a strategic supplies route for Bangui from deadly militias’ hands and accompanying terrified civilians for hundreds of kilometres to safety, Rwandan peacekeepers have helped redefine modern peacekeeping. While the outside world may largely be unaware of these heroic actions, Rwandan peacekeepers have earned praises wherever they have served, both from ordinary people whom they are deployed to protect and their former abusers. It is hoped that the high-level of discipline, loyalty, and commitment to service that continue to characterise Rwandan peacekeepers will inspire a positive evolution in international peacekeeping operations. The primary responsibility of peacekeepers should be to serve others in the line of duty, and to stand up for humanity in the face of adversity, instead of cowering leaving those under their care at the mercy of their tormentors. Peacekeepers should be in position to cultivate confidence, earn the trust of those they are mandated to protect and foster an environment that allows gradual dialogue between warring parties and peaceful coexistence. To our officers, men and women in uniform, the people of Rwanda are immensely proud of you and grateful for your continued professionalism, bravery and enduring spirit –at home and abroad. We urge you to continue flying the Rwandan flag high.

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EDITORIAL: To our returning peacekeepers, welcome back