Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), recognised the contribution of Rwandan peacekeepers, saying that they "almost define" the mission.

The seasoned military officer, who commands the largest UN mission in the world, highlighted that Rwanda is the top troop contributor to UNMISS, with three infantry battalions — two in Juba and one in Malakal, Upper Nile State — alongside an aviation unit and two police units.

"It’s a very large presence, in fact, a commanding presence. The Rwandan contingent forms the backbone of our mission,” he said on Thursday, October 17, at the UN office in the capital Juba.

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Subramanian emphasized that the three Rwandan battalions are deployed in critical areas and noted that the Rwandan air force unit is the only military aviation unit working with the UN.

"The Rwanda Aviation Unit has performed splendidly in past operations,” he said.

The uniqueness of the Rwandan contingent

Subramanian acknowledged the unique contribution of each country involved in the UN peacekeeping mission but said the "Rwandan contingent, being the largest, almost defines us.”

He said the Rwandan army has developed effective standard operating procedures.

"Their officers and troops are very well trained and robust, ready to take on any task,” said the officer, who has commanded the mission since July 2022.

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Subramanian highlighted that Rwandan troops have a deep understanding of the UN mission. He noted the passion of Rwandan peacekeepers, drawing from the country’s experience of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He also pointed out that Rwanda is among the few, if not the only country, with a constitutional mandate for international peacekeeping.

"From there stems the authority and relevance of Rwanda’s peacekeeping efforts,” he explained.

He further stressed that the uniqueness of the Rwanda Defence Force lies in the ability to set a role model for host governments wherever they operate.

"In them, host governments can find hope — that this is what our armed forces can achieve once we stabilize and achieve peaceful governance,” Subramanian said.

RDF humanitarian role in UNMISS

Rwandan peacekeepers also engage in humanitarian activities, providing essential support to the communities they are mandated to protect. This includes offering free medical care, medications, and training young girls in self-defence.

Commenting on the impact of such initiatives and their contribution to the broader peacekeeping mission, Subramanian stated that they help build trust and connection with the community.

"It sends a message that we are here to serve,” Subramanian said, adding that these civil-military cooperation activities are fully funded by the Rwandan government.