The Commanding General of the U.S Combined Joint Task Force –Horn of Africa Maj. Gen. Kurt Sonntag met with Rwanda Defence Force’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba on Thursday at the RDF Headquarters in Kigali.

According to the Acting RDF Spokesperson Lt. Col Rene Ngendahimana, the two generals discussed "extensively” the peace and security situation in the East African region, as well as Rwanda’s experience in peacekeeping operations.

"Maj. Gen. Kurt and the CDS had an extensive chat about various peace and security issues regarding the partnership between US Force Operations within the Horn of Africa and the East African region allies,” Ngendahimana said.

Without revealing details, he said the two officials talked about the security status in the region, especially the situation in South Sudan, as well as the role of Rwanda’s peacekeeping operations in bringing about peace and protecting civilians.

"Maj. Gen. Kurt lauded Rwanda’s contribution toward peace-keeping operations across the world, our discipline and our commitment to protecting civilians.” 

Ngendahima also said that Maj. Gen. Kurt and Gen. Nyamvumba talked about future partnerships between the two countries, regarding peace and security.

"Our CDS also recognised USA’s partnership with Rwanda, in terms of pre-deployment training and equipping our military personnel in their peacekeeping operations, which are key to the success of our peacekeepers,” he said.

Rwanda is currently the fifth biggest contributor to peacekeepers across the world, with about 6000 Rwandan peacekeepers deployed in different countries around the world.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw