The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF)) Gen James Kabarebe, yesterday commended the country’s troops in Sudan for playing a leading role in maintaining peace in the region.

Kabarebe was addressing the Rwandan contingent (RWA 4 Bn) serving under the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).

The RDF delegation is in Sudan on an official visit at the invitation of the Sudanese Chief of Joint Staff
Later Gen. Kabarebe toured the Sudan’s Numeiry Higher Military Academy that trains officers of the rank of Colonel and Brigadier General.

He later on paid a visit to the Defence Industries based at Alyarmouk Industrial Complex as well as the GIAD Vehicle Assembling Plant.

The CDS’s visit is aimed at acquainting himself with the reality on the ground as well as boosting the morale of the troops in Darfur.

Rwanda has 3,200 troops deployed in Darfur and 254 troops in Khartoum as well as over 70 staff officers and Military Observers serving under both UNAMID and UNMIS.

The Contingent Commander in Darfur briefed the CDS on the challenges facing the contingent. The CDS also toured their headquarters where he was shown the Contingent Owned Equipment (COE).

The CDS hailed the troops for demonstrating high levels of discipline in Darfur and upholding the usual good image of the RDF and that of Rwanda, while respecting the cultural diversity of those that they work with.

Kabarebe is expected to travel to the UNAMID Headquarters in El - Fasher, Darfur today morning.

He is accompanied by Brig Gen Jean Bosco Kazura (J3), Brig Gen Jacques Musemakweli [J2] and Lt Col Peter Kalimba (Head, Peace Support Operations).

Ends