Rwanda Aviation Unit III serving under United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) held a UN Medal parade award ceremony in South Sudan capital Juba, yesterday.

Deputy Special Representative (DSR) of UN Secretary-General Mustapha Sumare presented and decorated medals to Rwanda Aviation Unit Peacekeepers for having served professionally the UNMISS in the period of 10 months.

In his remarks, he thanked the Government of Rwanda for contributing the troops to UNMISS.

Sumare commended the peacekeepers for their professionalism, commitment, discipline, and maintaining good relations with the people of South Sudan and with the entire UNMISS Staff.

He particularly commended the RDF peacekeepers for their valuable contribution toward restoring peace and security in different areas of operation in South Sudan.

Sumare said Rwanda Aviation Unit 3 has been providing uninterrupted air support toward the fulfillment of the UNMISS mandate in the entire South Sudan Airspace and also helped in enhancing communication.

Rwanda Aviation Unit transported civilians, humanitarian aids, troops, UN equipment and casualties evacuation.

Sumare also thanked Rwanda for increasing female peacekeepers in UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

Lt Col Louis Kanobayire, the contingent commander of Rwanda Aviation Unit III, said their main air operating base is located in Juba and has the capability of positioning a number of air assets at any temporary airbase in the mission area.

During the last 10 months, Rwanda Aviation Unit III positioned helicopters in Malakal in Upper Nile State, Wau in Western Bahr El Ghazal State and in Rumbek.

Lt Col Kanobayire said Rwanda Aviation Unit III has fulfilled its obligation of supporting UNMISS by providing services that include but not limited to airlifting of personnel, cargo aerial delivery and resupply (seven tonnes).

The ceremony was attended by Senior UNMISS officials.

Rwandan Aviation Unit, composed of  165 personnel who have completed their tour of duty in UNMISS, is expected in Rwanda on 31 August 2015.