Juba, 17 October 2024

Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian, the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has expressed his deep appreciation for Rwandan peacekeepers, emphasizing their indispensable role in ensuring security in their areas of responsibility.

“The Rwandan peacekeepers are the backbone of UNMISS,” Lt Gen Subramanian remarked, highlighting that Rwanda is the largest contributor of troops and police personnel to the mission. He detailed the significant presence of Rwandan forces, which includes three infantry battalions—two stationed in Juba and one in Malakal in Upper Nile State. He added that Rwanda provides an aviation unit, two police units, and several senior officers supporting UN operations in South Sudan.

All three battalions are strategically positioned in critical areas, and the aviation unit, which is the only one in the mission, plays a pivotal role in past and ongoing operations. “The Rwandan Aviation Unit is the backbone; it has been instrumental in supporting UN deployments and operations,” the Force Commander stated.

In the volatile Upper Nile State, the Rwandan battalion operates in an area currently facing clashes. They are also responsible for managing the only Protection of Civilians (PoC) camp in Malakal, which shelters approximately 43,000 displaced people. This camp provides protection, food, and other welfare needs to residents before they return to their villages. The Rwandan battalion, in coordination with the Indian battalion and a police unit, are crucial in maintaining this effort.

In Juba’s Durupi area, the Rwanbatt 3 unit is in charge of the city’s security. They were initially deployed in 2016 as a rapid protection force during a period of intense civil conflict. Though the rapid protection force concept has since been phased out, the battalion’s mission to safeguard the city remains vital.

The battalion stationed at Tomping camp,Juba, is tasked with overseeing operations in Eastern Equatoria State, including the city of Torit.

Lt Gen Subramanian also acknowledged Rwanda’s unique position as a nation that has transitioned from hosting a UN mission during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to becoming a leading contributor of peacekeepers globally.  He stressed that Rwandan troops in Sudan are considered to be a classic example of resilience and commitment.