Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has started today the deployment of the main body of a Mechanised Infantry Battle Group to United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The Main Body’s first chalk of 238 troops of the Mechanised Infantry battalion departed from Kigali International Airport today at around 1000hrs local time. The highly versatile and mobile Mechanised Infantry Unit, whose equipment were deployed with an advance party early April 2018, will operate in the whole MINUSCA Area of Operations (AOR).
Before their departure, the Peacekeepers were briefed by the RDF Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jacques MUSEMAKWELI who urged them to remain vigilant and focused on their mission as they maintain a very high level of discipline.
“We expect a lot from you, so please demonstrate high level of discipline in any of your actions, think very fast and act with rationale”, Gen Musemakweli told the Peacekeepers.
Lt Col Charles RUTAYISIRE, the Commanding Officer of this newly deployed Mechanised Infantry Battle Group told the media that the troops under his command are a combined arms grouping from various RDF units and formations that include Special Force, Mechanised Infantry, Air Force and Infantry Force. He also disclosed that the Battle Group will have the capabilities of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for reconnaissance.
“I am quite optimistic that we will be effective in fulfilling our mission taking into consideration the equipment, personnel and support we got from our leadership.”, Lt Col Rutayisire said.
This 540-strong mechanised infantry Battle Group that deploys on UN request is the third RDF unit to be deployed in support of MINUSCA after an Infantry Battalion and a Military Level 2 Hospital with a current total RDF deployment of 1,200 military personnel in CAR.
The Express News