RDF completes rotation of Darfur peacekeepers

The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has concluded a one-month rotation exercise of its soldiers on peacekeeping mission in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region.On Saturday, a contingent of 150 RDF officers and their juniors landed at Kigali International Airport after nine months of tour of duty in Darfur. This brings to 3,200 the number of the peacekeepers returning from the western Sudan region, in this rotation that took a month. According to Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, the RDF spokesperson, the same number of peacekeepers in a contingent has arrived in Darfur.“You are welcome back to our country; enjoy your holiday and take it easy just incase you find that something wrong happened in your family while you were away. Discuss with your families and neighbours and resolve the issue amicably, because you are known for your discipline,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, the defence and military chief of staff, in a welcome note.The group is entitled to seven days of leave. Before resuming their routine work in the army, they will meet in Gako Military Camp in Bugesera District to share their experience with their colleagues who will be going for the next mission.“You too, will need to be updated about the progress in the country before you resume your daily assignments of protecting the country,” Gen. Kamanzi said.The plauditsGen. Nzabamwita told the media that RDF peacekeepers in UN mission in Darfur not only accomplished their mission, but also helped the Sudanese community to work on some social challenges.“They have built twelve classrooms and contributed in construction of two health centers in Darfur. The region is a desert with no forests,” he said.“Camels accomplish transport assignment but Sudanese did not know that it would even be a solution of cooking energy. Our soldiers taught Sudanese to make cooking materials from camel dung.”The 3,200 soldiers, who accomplished the mission, were commanded by Col. Ludovic Mugisha.Rwanda has peacekeepers in different countries worldwide, with Darfur, having the biggest number. The overall number that was so far sent for different peacekeeping missions has reached 31,067 men and women.

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RDF completes rotation of Darfur peacekeepers