The United Nations and African Union have hailed Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba’s ‘dedication and invaluable service’ during his assignment as Force Commander of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

A statement released on Tuesday by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and AU chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, praised the Rwandan General for his leadership at the peacekeeping mission since his appointment in 2009.

"The Secretary-General would like to take this opportunity to express his deep appreciation to Lieutenant General Nyamvumba for his dedication and invaluable service during his tenure in UNAMID,” reads part of the statement.

The Rwandan General’s tour of duty started in September 2009 and ended on March 31. He has since been replaced by Lt. Gen. Paul Ignace Mella of Tanzania.

In 2009, Gen. Nyamvumba succeeded Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, of Nigeria, who served as UNAMID’s Force Commander since the establishment of the Mission in 2007.

Before his appointment to UNAMID, Gen.  Nyamvumba held various senior command positions, including being Chief of Logistics of the Rwanda Defence Forces. He also doubled as president of the Military High Court.

In 1995, 1996 and 1997, he served as the Commander of an infantry battalion, mechanised infantry regiment and infantry brigade, respectively.

Between 1998 and 1999, Gen.  Nyamvumba served as Chief of Operations, Plans and Training.  In 1999, he assumed the position of Joint Task Force Commander until his appointment as Commandant of the rwanda Military Academy in 2003.

He also served as the Commandant of the Force Preparation Centre between 2004 and 2007.  In 2007, Gen. Nyamvumba was appointed to serve as President of the Military High Court.

He is a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), in Kaduna, a leading military and educational institution for the Nigerian Airforce, Army and Naval officers to be.

Previously, three other Rwandan Generals – Karenzi Karake, Frank Mushyo Kamanzi and Jean Bosco Kazura served as Joint Deputy Force Commanders.

Rwanda has over 3,200 troops serving in Darfur.

UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

‘Peacekeeping with a difference’

Under Gen. Nyamvumba’s tenure at UNAMID, Rwandan troops vigorously committed to what they called ‘peacekeeping with a difference’ through participating in what they reffered to as ‘Quick impact projects’ including construction of schools and health facilities for local communities in Darfur.