President Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic has awarded medals and certificates to Rwanda Defence Forces peacekeepers who helped restore peace to the country since January 2014.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday and was witnessed by the CAR cabinet.

Samba told Rwandan peacekeepers that the medals were in recognition of their bravery, devotion and professionalism demonstrated during the 12 months of preserving peace and security in the country that had been torn apart by sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims

"We can’t forget to appreciate you. If you had not intervened, we do not know what could have happened,” she was quoted saying.

Lt Col Jean Paul Karangwa, the commander of the Rwandan contingent under the UN Mission in Central Africa Republic (MINUSCA), thanked national and international security organs for their collaboration and support that enabled peacekeepers to successfully execute their mandate.

Civilians in the CAR said they felt secure in the company of Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the African-led MINUSCA after the Rwandan contingent intensified patrols in areas around the capital Bangui to secure civilians.

They also carried out Umuganda, similar to the monthly community service back home, in the areas they were deployed, and also conducted security meetings and confidence building patrols with local residents in areas hit most by sectarian conflict in Bangui.