Rwanda to contribute troops to UN peacekeeping force in Sudan

KIGALI, Apr 29, 2005 (Xinhua) — Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) who have been featuring in the continental peacekeeping mission under the African Union in Darfur will join the UN force in southern Sudan, Foreign Minister Charles Murigande said here Friday.

“Rwanda was asked to provide forces that would maintain peace and security in southern Sudan. It also gives proof that our forces are now recognized worldwide and can certainly maintain peace everywhere,” Murigande said.

“The United Nations asked about 200 troops who will constitute a company and we are ready,” Murigande added. The minister could not however divulge the information of their departure.

Rwandan government officials including some senior military officers recently were in Sudan to inspect where the RDF troops will be deployed.

Rwanda is sided with other countries that include Germany, which will send 75 troops in the mission.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1590 on March 24, 2005 to authorize the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).

Sudan is emerging from its long civil war that left thousands of civilians dead and others displaced. Early this year, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army announced to cease its military aggression against the Khartoum government and joined the government after the Nairobi accord.

Others to send troops are China, Zambia, Kenya, Nepal, Egypt and Bangladesh and a small contingent from some western countries.