Rwandan peacekeepers build more schools in Darfur

Peacekeeping ‘with a difference’ appears to be a clear commitment of Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), as they have built more schools for local communities in Sudan’s conflict torn region of Darfur. By doing this, the army is demonstrating that it lives by the values characterising the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in regards to the social cooperation with the local population. A statement seen by The New Times says that on April 16, members of Rwanbatt 28 (4Bn) handed-over seven classrooms to Nur Salam Basic School and two classrooms and a veranda in El Salaam Basic School, both in the Kabkabiya region, North Darfur.Meanwhile, in the Saraf Umra locality, the Rwanbatt 28 also commissioned three classrooms and a staffroom in Safra Jama Basic School. On April 18, Rwanbatt 29 (157 Bn) handed over 10 classrooms constructed in the Abushouk Internally Displaced People’s Camp, in El Fasher, North Darfur. Military and Defence Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, on Friday, told The New Times that RDF peacekeepers in Darfur are keen on replicating home-made nation-building post conflict initiatives like building schools, promoting hygiene, and others, in the war ravaged region. According to Brig. Gen. Nzabamwita, this Rwandan model will significantly help Darfurians to rebuild their lives. Brig. Gen. Nzabamwita said: “Our troops are taking the Rwandan post-conflict and national development models to our brothers in Darfur. The RDF support to the 9YBE programme, at home, is being practically implemented on the ground in Darfur, by bringing together the RDF, the local Darfur population, the local administration and UN for a common long lasting goal.” “This is a good partnership that helps in conflict resolution to post conflict development. This is a humble contribution in changing the way traditional peacekeeping is done, especially after MINUAR’s shameful history in Rwanda.” MINUAR is the French acronym for the UN Assistance Mission to Rwanda (UNAMIR), which was in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The mission is often blamed for doing very little, or nothing, as thousands of innocent civilians were massacred as it stood by. According to the statement from El Fasher, the beneficiaries were “joyous for these projects that will support even the future generations. The local population expressed their happiness and thanked UNAMID for its role in bringing lasting peace to Darfur, but, most especially, Rwandan peacekeepers who they called “their real own blood” for enhancing sustainable development spirit of Rwanda in Darfur.” Local leaders in locations where the RDF peacekeepers have constructed classrooms have reportedly expressed approval as they note that the enhancement of education in Darfur is “a most valuable means of promoting peace.” UNAMID Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, who is himself Rwandan, presided over the handover ceremonies in the three localities. The Force Commander said that UNAMID started its support in education but now plans other projects in health, water and sanitation in order to improve the living conditions of the communities. He praised the cooperation that exists between UNAMID and the local community, and “commended the Rwandan peacekeepers that work hard to make a difference in the lives of the needy.” Lt. Gen. Nyamvumba reiterated the commitment of UNAMID in providing everything possible within their means in supporting the local community, and especially the young generation to live and grow in a better environment.

National

Rwandan peacekeepers build more schools in Darfur