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RDF/UN Sudan

The New Times (Kigali)
NEWS
December 9, 2006
Posted to the web December 10, 2006

By James Munyaneza
Kigali
The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) soldiers assigned to replace the country's
first UN peacekeeping force in Sudan jet out today.
The group, composed of 127 officers and men, is part of the 254-strong
contingent that is set to take over from 254 Rwandan troops that have been
serving under the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for the last one
year. Half of those that are being replaced will arrive at Kigali International
Airport today at around noon, while the rest will jet in on December 16, the
same day the second Khartoum-bound contingent is scheduled to leave.
Addressing the Sudan-destined force at Kanombe Military Barracks, Kigali
yesterday, the Chief of General Staff, General James Kabarebe, urged the
soldiers to safeguard the good reputation exhibited by their predecessors.
"Throughout their stint in Khartoum, your predecessors established and
preserved a good reputation, which earned our country respect and pride.
Similarly, as the people replacing them, you are expected to exhibit and
maintain a high level of discipline and bravery," Gen. Kaberebe, who was
flanked by several top military chiefs, said.
He said he had confidence that the mission they were going for would be
accomplished "because you have more than what it takes to undertake it and
deliver accordingly."
"We prepared you for that mission for over a year and the assessment we carried
out showed that you mastered everything you need," Kabarebe told the
contingent.
"You are going as our country's ambassadors and, as you know, our military has
set a standard that has put it on high demand. While executing your duties,
always guard your integrity and make Rwanda's flag fly high," Kabarebe told the
jovial soldiers.
The CGS dedicated 20 minutes to a farewell speech and another 20 walking from
side to side of the parade, while clapping hands as the jubilant troops sang
RDF patriotic songs. The songs, some of which were composed during the 1990-94
Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) liberation struggle and shortly after the 1994
Rwanda Genocide, contain messages of heroism, reconciliation of Rwandans, and
the country's development.
The officers and men took to the floor as some military songbirds, including
the composer of "Mage Mage Twazigenze", Sergeant Pierre Damien Nkurunziza, led
the chanting.
Major John Karangwa leads the Khartoum-bound Rwandan force, taking over the
responsibilities of Major Joseph Kaligire, the head of the initial contingent.
Also present at the farewell ceremony were Chief of Staff (Land forces) Lt.
Gen. Charles Kayonga, Maj. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, Brig. Gen. Jack Nziza and
the Commandant of General Headquarters, Brig. Gen. Augustine Turagara.
The RDF replaced Italian soldiers in the UN's Khartoum mission, which seeks to
enforce the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed two years ago between the
Sudanese government and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA). Several
other countries also contribute to the mission.
The members of the peacekeeping force are primarily charged with keeping
security of senior UNMIS officials and their installations, as well as
providing administrative support activities such as clerical duties.force
replaced


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