The Rwanda Defence Forces, Chief of Defence Staff Gen James Kabarebe, yesterday met the members of three Rwandan battalions serving in the UNAMID peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan.

The 14, 16 and 17th battalion are based in Zalinje (Sector West), Kabkabiya and El – Fasher, both in Sector North, respectively.

The CDS was received by the respective battalion commanders and briefed the peacekeepers on the general situation in Rwanda as well as the security situation in the Great Lakes Region.

He commended the RDF personnel for their exemplary discipline and professionalism and warned them against complacence.

Gen Kabarebe asked RDF members to project the country’s good image abroad and urged them to work closely with all the relevant stakeholders in fulfilling the overall mission of UNAMID. 

He informed the peacekeepers that the people of Rwanda, the leadership of the RDF, the Government and the Commander –in–Chief are happy with the good work RDF is doing in Darfur.

He also answered questions from members of the Rwandan Contingent who demonstrated happiness and high morale through cultural dance and songs as well as free interaction.

The RDF delegation is in Sudan on an official visit at the invitation of the Chief of Joint Staff (CJS) of the Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF] Gen Mohammed AbdulGadir Nesr Aldin.

Gen Kabarebe is accompanied by Brig Gen Jean Bosco Kazura (J3), Brig Gen Jacques Musemakweli (J2) and Lt Col Peter Kalimba (Head, Peace Support Operations) from the RDF Headquarters.

Rwanda’s Charge de Affaires to Sudan, Maj Joseph Rutabana also traveled with. The CDS is scheduled to travel back home today (today).

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.

Ends