RDF to document peacekeepers’ experience

MUSANZE - The Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA) of the Rwanda Defence Forces intends to document the peacekeeping experience of various Rwandan contingents overseas. The documentation of the experiences will take place during a workshop slated on September 26 to 30 at Nyakinama, Musanze. A statement from the RDF indicates that the workshop is expected to attract participants from the strategic and Peace Support Operations (PSO) implementation levels. “These will include 40 officers from RDF Military Observers, Contingent Commanders and Staff Officers, and 10 Police Officers at the PSO implementation level. Participants at the strategic level will include current and former Force Commanders,” the statement reads. Part of what will be discussed during the meeting is the role of the UN and its agencies in PSO, the human rights and humanitarian aspects, the sustainable post conflict recovery. They will also discuss achievements and challenges drawn from Rwanda’s experience in various UN missions. “The main objective of the workshop will be to take stock of the RDF and the Rwanda National Police peacekeeping efforts and document the practical experiences of past and current personnel at both the strategic and PSO implementation levels” adds the statement. Rwanda has been engaged in peacekeeping support operations since 2004 and currently has peacekeeping personnel in four international missions. So far, preparations are under way to send a Rwandan contingent to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Rwanda started its peace keeping mission in the war-ravaged Darfur region of Sudan in 2004 and has since registered tremendous success which has led to an increase in Rwandan peacekeepers to over 3,500 troops on this mission only, which also has a Rwandan as Force Commander. Ends