In a first exclusive interview since his return from Darfur, Maj. Gen Karenzi Karake describes RDF performance as "outstanding” and reveals challenges of leading an ill-equipped mission within an endless and complex conflict.

Maj. Gen Karenzi Karake, popularly referred to as "KK” ended his two year mission as deputy force Commander of the United Nation/African Union hybrid force in May this year.

Rwanda is one of the troop contributing countries to the mission that was established to avert the humanitarian catastrophe that has rocked the Sudanese war ravaged region.

"RDF was able to bring its expertise and experience gained over the years to bear on the situation on the ground in Darfur,” Gen. Karake told The New Times.

"For instance RDF was able to quickly, efficiently and effectively integrate with the other forces involved. This is because RDF as a military force has a unique background. It has been tested before in dealing with such conflicts.”
Describing his memorable moments, Karake said it happened when he was acting force commander.

He said at that time, a demand by warring factions to withdraw his troops from positions within Southern Darfur leaving behind vulnerable refugees, almost reminded him of some infamous decisions taken by UN troops here in 1994.

"In that situation I had to make a decision between leaving for the sake of saving the lives of my troops but at the expense of exposing the refugees,” Karake said.

"I took a calculated risk of holding the fort by keeping our positions and actually safeguarding the Internally Displaced Persons. Thank God the ensuing exchange of fire did not adversely affect the IDPs.”

Karake described one of his lowest moments as a time when genocide deniers went around tarnishing his name despite the amount of sacrifice he was making in Darfur.

"I had to deal with the pressures and embarrassments caused by anti-government forces and Genocide deniers, without necessarily receiving the support and neutrality my appointment ought to have attracted,” Karake said.

"Without the support from government, it could have been impossible for me to get myself out of that low moment of my mission."

Gen. Karake was named Deputy Force Commander for UNAMID in July 2007 and served till May 2009. He was replaced by Major General Duma Mdutyana of South Africa.

The Darfur region has since 2004 been engulfed in a civil war that has left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions more.

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