Central African Republic, 8 January 2026: Rwandan Peacekeepers Honored for Service

Rwandan soldiers serving with the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission in the Bria region of the Central African Republic have been awarded United Nations medals in recognition of their professionalism and contributions to restoring peace. The awards were presented to soldiers from the RWABG VII battalion and the RWAMED X medical team during a ceremony at the RWABG VII battalion camp in Haute-Kotto prefecture. The ceremony was attended by Maj Gen Maychel Asmi, Deputy Commander of MINUSCA, and Olivier Kayumba, Rwandan Ambassador to the Central African Republic. Maj Gen Asmi praised the Rwandan troops for their conduct, discipline, and productive work, highlighting their role in the smooth conduct of recent presidential elections won by Faustin Archange Touadéra. The RWABG VII battalion was recognized for maintaining security in Bria, Ouadda, and Sam-Ouandja, while RWAMED X was commended for providing medical support to both fellow peacekeepers and the local population. Lt Col Willy Ntagara, Commander of RWABG VII, and Col Dr. Simon R. Nyagasaza, Commander of RWAMED X, noted that the medals would strengthen their commitment to their duties, which include protecting civilians, senior officials, UN personnel, infrastructure, and key installations such as M’Poko International Airport. Rwandan troops first deployed to the Central African Republic in 2014, and in 2020, special forces were sent as part of the CAR-Rwanda partnership to quell unrest linked to armed groups allegedly supported by former president François Bozizé. Their ongoing mission remains focused on maintaining security and supporting peace in the region.