KIGALI - TWO hundred Rwanda Defences Forces (RDF) troops from the 73rd battalion, yesterday returned home after nine months of service to the United Nations peace keeping mission in Darfur.

The first batch of 100 troops arrived at Kigali International Airport, yesterday morning and was welcomed by Lt. Gen. Caesar Kayizari the Army Chief of Staff flanked by other senior RDF officials. The second batch arrived at 6pm last evening.

Addressing the troops, Lt. Gen Kayizari hailed them for doing their best to restore peace in the troubled region of Sudan.

He told them that, being responsible in their duty is vital towards promoting unity and peace in their missions.
"Go and visit your parents and relatives and there after you will be informed the date when we shall meet and brief you about your new deployment,” he told the soldiers.

According to Lt. Col. Tom Mpaka, the Director of Operations in the RDF, the soldiers have achieved global prominence in a very short time because of discipline and commitment especially in their excellent performance in Darfur.

He said that they had done a commendable job and the United Nations -African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMIS) appreciates their contribution.

"Our troops are doing a good job that is why they are being commended for their role and this is a clear indication of the resolve and determination of Rwanda to promote peace among nations,” he stressed.

Sergeant Tharcisse Rutaganda, one of those who arrived from Sudan, said that he was very happy to return home after nine months of service in Darfur.

"From the time we arrived in Darfur to the time we left, there has been a reasonable change in terms of security; the RDF peacekeepers have contributed greatly to the restoration of the peace in the Darfur region,” he said.

Meanwhile another batch of 200 RDF soldiers from 37th battalion yesterday flew to Darfur for peace keeping mission.

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