RDF peacekeepers take ‘Umuganda’ to CAR

Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) this week introduced Umuganda, or community work, in the areas where they are deployed. Rwanda Mechanized Infantry Battalion (RwaMechBatt1) Forces launched the first phase on February 23, by cleaning areas surrounding their military camps and hope to extend the exercise to the entire Bangui and beyond with the help of local authorities and primary beneficiaries, the local population, says the ministry of defense. Umuganda, one of the home-grown initiatives, is undertaken on the last Saturday of every month in Rwanda. Rwandan peacekeepers in MISCA are negotiating with the local authorities in Bangui to prepare them and locals to engage in Umuganda this weekend to clean several areas in the capital Bangui. Rwandan peacekeepers have introduced Umuganda wherever they are deployed. Rwandapedia, a website with stories about Rwandas development, indicates that the value of Umuganda to the country’s development since 2007 is estimated at more than $60 million.

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RDF peacekeepers take ‘Umuganda’ to CAR