Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) peacekeepers serving under United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were decorated with United Nations Peacekeeping medals for their contribution and selfless service observed during their tour of duty of bringing peace and stability in the respective country.
The event took place at UNMISS Tomping base Camp in Juba and the guest of honor was UNMISS Force Commander Lt Gen Frank Mushyo KAMANZI.
In his speech , The Rwanbat1 commanding officer Lt Col Eugene KAREGEYA highlighted some of the activities they conducted for the last 11 months serving under UNMISS. They include guarding UN bases ( Tomping & Torit), long and short duration patrols, dynamic air patrols, force protection of UNMISS personnel and CIMIC activities.
He also added that Rwanbatt-1 will keep conducting its operations in close coordination and cooperation with other mission partners guided by UN principles of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity during the remaining one month.
In his remarks, The Force Commander Lt Gen M Kamanzi congratulated the contingent for having demonstrated high commitment and professionalism in their tasks and duties during the last eleven months in the mission. He also thanked the Commanding Officer for the great zeal and competence displayed by his unit under his command.
“I would like to note that 36 members of the battalion are females and I would express my sincere and hard gratitude of their service. I appreciate their contribution especially in accessing the vulnerable members of the community that we are here to serve,” said Lt Gen Kamanzi.
Apart from the military parade, this ceremony was attended by both UNMISS partners and the Rwandan community in South Sudan and colorfully entertained by Rwanbatt-1 culture troop together with martial arts performance. (End)