The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) Peacekeepers, Rwanda Mechanized Infantry battalion (RwaMechBatt1), serving in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) continue with stabilization and protection operations of civilians in Bangui.
These activities include providing medical care to local population as well as stopping violence.
On 5-6 February, RwaMechBatt1 Forces treated injured people and provided dental care to local community to “Groupement II, 5th Arrondissement”,Bangui. The healthcare included treatment of victims of violence that is ongoing in CAR.
As a sustainable strategy of curbing violence, RwaMechBatt1 has continued with sensitization meetings with the local population and armed groups.
The Forces call the armed group to lay down their arms and the general public to disengage with looting and cease violence; “stop looting and ruining your Nation, cooperate with Peacekeepers to improve security situation for all CAR people, embark -instead- on development activities”, they told the meeting.
The protection and stabilization operations are encountering local citizens including children and women who witnessed the atrocities carried out by the armed groups to their relatives that need special care and attention. A young boy affected by the violence was comforted by RDF Officers and he requires care and love.
The violence has had severe impact on him, to the extent that his immediate request was for a grenade to revenge to the perpetrators who killed his mother. The little boy received adequate counselling from the Peacekeepers.
RwaMechBatt1 has meanwhile resumed a humanitarian escort including commercial vehicles from Cameroon border to Bangui with much needed supplies for CAR.
The humanitarian convoy is expected to reach Bangui by this Friday.
MoD
UM– USEKE.RW
