Rwanda peacekeepers honored in central African Republic

On July 21, 2026, President Faustin Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic awarded medals of appreciation to Rwandan peacekeepers of RWANBATT-15, marking the completion of their one‑year mission under the United Nations peacekeeping operation MINUSCA.

The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Bangui, was attended by senior government officials, Rwanda’s Ambassador to CAR Olivier Kayumba, military leaders, and members of the Rwandan community. The medals—known as the Presidential Medal of Appreciation—recognized the soldiers’ professionalism, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting civilians and promoting peace.

During their mission, RWANBATT‑15 played a vital role in stabilizing communities, ensuring security, and supporting humanitarian efforts. Their commander, Lt Col Paul Gasasira, expressed gratitude to President Touadéra for his support and praised the discipline and resilience of his troops throughout the deployment.

Rwanda has been a consistent contributor to MINUSCA, reinforcing its commitment to peacekeeping and regional stability. Over the years, Rwandan forces have earned recognition for their effectiveness in safeguarding civilians and strengthening peace processes in CAR.