Rwanda sends second batch of peacekeeping forces in Sudan
Dec 9, 2005 (KIGALI) — The second contingent of 100 soldiers of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) left here Friday for Khartoum, to perform peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) program.
The soldiers who are joining 62 colleagues at UNAMIS headquarters in Khartoum left Kigali aboard a UN chartered plane.
According to the Commander of the group Captain Frank Bakunzi, prior to departure, the soldiers underwent a seven-month course at Nyakinama Military Academy in Ruhengeri, where they trained in human rights, Arabic and English languages.
They also had lessons on the structure of UN and other pertinent courses that would help them accomplish their duties, said Bakunzi, who is also the spokesman of RDF forces in Khartoum.
The RDF director of research and development, Col. Charles Karamba told reporters that while in Khartoum, the soldiers will among other duties protect the UNAMIS headquarters and VIPs.
“They will also carry out office work and provide level one medical service to fellow peacekeepers,” he added.
Rwanda also has soldiers who are serving under the African Union Mission in Sudan, keeping peace in the troubled region of Darfur.
The last batch of 92 peacekeepers are slated to leave on Wednesday, bringing the number to 254.
The soldiers will spend six months in Khartoum before being replaced by another contingent and the program is scheduled to last for a period of six and a half years, Karamba revealed.
(Xinhua/ST)