In an official statement released on the evening of October 16, 2024, the RDF responded to three specific allegations made by journalist Barbara Debout, dismissing them as false.
One claim involved the alleged rape of "Jeanne," a vegetable and fruit vendor, by a Rwandan peacekeeper at the Bangui base in 2023. The RDF clarified that their peacekeeping bases in CAR do not admit unregistered civilians without official business, making the claim impossible.
Another accusation concerned the alleged rape of "twenty-eight-year-old Grace" in the northern town of Paoua. The RDF emphasized that no Rwandan peacekeepers have ever been deployed in that area, rejecting the claim outright.
The third allegation involved the rape of "two women in Ndassima," a location 400 kilometers from Bangui. The RDF stated that neither Rwandan bilateral forces nor Rwandan MINUSCA peacekeepers had ever been stationed in Ndassima, making the accusations baseless.
RDF stressed that sexual violence against civilians by peacekeepers is unacceptable and that it takes all accusations against its troops seriously.
However, they maintained that the claims presented by the journalist were fabricated.
RDF also pointed out that, by the author's own account of comments from displaced civilians in Bria, sexual assaults that had been occuring previously stopped when Rwandan troops were deployed in the area.
Highlighting the discipline and integrity of its peacekeepers, the RDF underscored that Rwandan troops have upheld their mission with respect for local communities and adherence to the core values of civilian protection and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
Over the past 20 years, Rwandan peacekeepers have been recognized for their effectiveness and reputation.
"The RDF will continue to support peace and stability in the Central African Republic and wherever else Rwandan peacekeepers are deployed," the RDF concluded.
The Rwandan troops were deployed to assist the Central African Republic (CAR) when armed groups in the north united to form the rebel group Séléka, which attempted an unsuccessful coup d'état.
Rwandan soldiers have been present in CAR since early 2014. Initially part of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), the mission later transitioned to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which began on April 10, 2014.
Their mandate includes protecting civilians, UN assets, and the President of CAR.
In 2020, Rwanda sent additional troops to the Central African Republic through bilateral agreements between the two countries.
In April 2022, CAR President Prof. Archange Touadéra commended the RDF for its exceptional role in restoring peace and stability, awarding medals to Rwandan troops for their outstanding contributions during challenging times.
The medal award ceremony took place at the office of President, Palais dela Renaissance, in Bangui capital city and was attended by different CAR government officials and the Chief of General Staff of Central African Republic Armed Forces.
Théophile Niyitegeka
