BANGUI, Central African Republic — Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi has visited Rwandan military personnel serving in the Central African Republic (CAR), highlighting their peacekeeping responsibilities and Rwanda’s continuing security cooperation with the country.
During the August 8 visit, Nyakarundi met Rwandan troops deployed through the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), as well as personnel serving under Rwanda’s bilateral security arrangements with CAR. According to the Rwanda Ministry of Defence, the visit formed part of engagements with Rwandan forces contributing to peace and stability in the country.
Accompanied by a military delegation, Nyakarundi visited the RWABAT-1 contingent at Socatel M’Poko Camp in Bangui and held discussions with contingent commanders. He recognized the personnel for what the Ministry of Defence described as their professionalism, dedication and service in implementing their peacekeeping responsibilities.
Nyakarundi also delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, and the country’s military leadership expressing appreciation to personnel serving abroad. The message thanked the deployed forces for their commitment to supporting peace and stability while representing Rwanda in international peace operations.
The Army Chief of Staff additionally briefed the peacekeepers on security developments affecting Rwanda and the wider region. He encouraged the troops to maintain discipline and uphold the professional standards and values associated with the RDF throughout their deployment.
As part of his engagements in Bangui, Nyakarundi met MINUSCA Force Commander Lt Gen Humphrey Nyone. According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, Nyone praised the contribution of Rwandan peacekeepers to the implementation of the UN mission’s mandate in the Central African Republic.
The visit also reflects broader military cooperation between Rwanda and the Central African Republic. Nyakarundi was expected to participate in a graduation ceremony for members of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) who received training from the RDF and to hold further discussions with FACA military leaders.
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Rwandan troops serve in CAR through both multilateral peacekeeping and bilateral arrangements, making the country an important component of Rwanda’s international security engagements. Nyakarundi has previously visited RDF personnel in Bangui, including a May 2026 working visit focused on the welfare and performance of peacekeepers and bilateral military cooperation.
The latest engagement underscores Rwanda’s continued participation in international peace and security efforts while strengthening professional cooperation with the Central African Republic and the United Nations mission.
