Edwin Musoni
31 December 2008
Kigali — Globally, it is not always obvious that a country is recognised, rewarded and appreciated in peacekeeping operations.
Rwanda's contribution to peacekeeping became the focus of the world and attracted international media attention after it become one of the first countries to offer troop contributions to the joint African Union-UN operations to intervene in the troubled region of Darfur.
Rwanda's participation in Peace Support Operations was this year mainly motivated by its need to take up its responsibility as an active member of the international community.
Significantly, in Darfur, Rwanda's deployment into the hybrid AU-UN force has largely satisfied the force's tactical objectives despite certain constrains.
It is in line with this satisfaction that the deputy force Commander's contract RDF two star General Karenzi Karake was renewed.
At the political levels within the UN such as the security council and even at the AU levers, this was proof enough that Rwanda's efforts in peacekeeping has been of great recognition to the entire international community.
Gen.Karake is a distinguished, highly professional officer and his presence in Darfur and that of the entire RDF troop concentrations is likely to offer credence to the overall peacekeeping operations in Darfur during the force's entire tour of duty in Sudan.
As deputy commander of the UNAMID force Karenzi is one of the key commanders leading the 30,000 strong hybrid force with Rwanda's contingents being considered among the best on the ground.
The resulting effect of this recognition is that the RDF is now considered by the international community as a stabilizing force capable of bringing peace in the troubled Great Lakes region of Africa.
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