The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), Gen James Kabarebe, and his delegation yesterday toured the troubled Western Sudan region of Darfur to meet Rwandan peacekeepers deployed there.

On arrival at El-Fasher Airport, Kabarebe was met by UNAMID Force Commander [FC], Lt Gen Patrick Nyamvumba He inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Gambian troops before he was briefed on the activities of the peacekeeping mission by the Force Commander.

Kabarebe also paid a courtesy call on the UNAMID Joint Special Representative [JSR] Brig Gen [Rtd] Henry Anyindoha before he travelled to Zam Zam where he was briefed by the Sector North Commander and also met the members of the 15th battalion.

The CDS commended the Rwandan battalion for their dedication, discipline and professionalism.

He planted a tree before leaving Zam Zam where he urged the contingent to continue with the tree planting drive.

Gen Kabarebe took some time in the evening to address Rwandan officers working at the UNAMID Headquarters. He commended them for their contribution towards achieving peace and urged them to remain good ambassadors not only for the RDF, but also for Rwanda.

The CDS is scheduled to visit the remaining three Rwandan battalions today before leaving Darfur tomorrow.

Gen James Kabarebe who is in Sudan on the invitation of Sudanese Chief of Joint Staff, is accompanied by Brig Gen Jean Bosco Kazura [J3], Brig Gen Jacques Musemakweli [J2] and Lt Col Peter Kalimba [Head, Peace Support Operations].

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.

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