KIGALI - The body of Cpl. Gafishi Havugimana, a Rwandan peacekeeper who died last week in the troubled Sudanese western region of Darfur, arrived in the country yesterday afternoon.

The 32-year old Havugimana died on July 19 after collapsing during physical training.

The plane that carried the fallen peacekeeper touched down at Kigali International Airport at 12:30 p.m.

It was a sombre mood at the airport as the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) mounted a guard of honour in tribute to officer. RDF officers, family and friends were on site.

Speaking to journalists after the arrival of the body, RDF Spokesperson,Col Joseph Nzabamwita, said that the fallen soldier was attached to 13th battalion and was among the peacekeepers that went to Darfur on July 4.

"We send condolences to the families and friends of the deceased who died for a worthy cause,” he said.

Col Nzabamwita stated that after Havugimana collapsed, a medical team from the military base arrived to administer first aid to him but unfortunately he died.

"The body was flown to Khartoum hospital where the doctors did the autopsy. We are still waiting for the results,” he said.

He was laid to rest, yesterday, at Kanombe Military Cemetery.

Rwanda maintains four battalions deployed under the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) comprising over 3,200 soldiers.

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