EU lauds Rwanda’s peacekeeping efforts

The European Union has commended Rwanda’s efforts in peace keeping across the world as well as commitment to the cause despite the recent incident in which five Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) peacekeepers were killed in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) by their colleague, over a week ago. Michael Ryan, Head of the EU Delegation in Rwanda, conveyed a message of condolence to the nation and the families of the bereaved while meeting the Senate president, Bernard Makuza, at Parliament Buildings, yesterday. The soldiers were serving under RWABATT 2 contingent which is deployed under the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Ryan said Rwanda’s efforts and commitment to peacekeeping missions in Africa and elsewhere was admirable and very impactful. Senate President Bernard Makuza briefs the media after the meeting at parliament yesterday. Rwanda has more than 5,000 peacekeepers in various peacekeeping missions across the world making it the fifth largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions. In CAR, Rwanda last year deployed about 850 RDF peacekeepers whose mandate includes protecting civilians, restorating security and order, and protecting the head of state, amongst other senior officials. Ryan promised that the European Union would continue to support Rwanda’s political and economic development. “EU has been a partner of Rwanda for decades and continues partnership in the political and economic development of the country,” he said. He said areas of support include parliament, Abunzi (grassroots mediation committes). Senate president Bernard Makuza said Rwanda had for long enjoyed warm ties with the European Union. The envoy was also briefed on the recent countrywide consultations on the possible amendment of article 101 of the constitution, on presidential term limits. In September, last year, Rwanda and the European Union signed a €460 million grant covering the next six years, to focus on energy, agriculture, governance and accountability. EU Ambassador to Rwanda Michael Ryan briefs the media after the meeting at parliament yesterday. Between 2008 and 2013, EU disbursed a total of Euro 290 million in general budget support under the Millennium Development Goals programmes.

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EU lauds Rwanda’s peacekeeping efforts