He was speaking on Thursday at a press conference in South Sudan where he highlighted the critical contributions of Rwandan troops.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, stands as the largest in the world, with over 13,000 troops deployed across various regions of the country.
South Sudan, a young nation that gained independence in 2011, has been plagued by ethnic conflicts among its 63 tribes, resulting in continued instability.
The size and complexity of the mission are compounded by the fact that South Sudan is over 24 times larger than Rwanda, making peacekeeping efforts both extensive and challenging.
Rwanda, known for its exemplary participation in global peacekeeping efforts, has one of the largest contingents in South Sudan.
The country has more than 2,990 personnel in South Sudan, including three infantry battalions, an aviation unit, police units, and senior officers deployed in key roles.
Lt Gen Subramanian underscored the importance of Rwanda's involvement in the mission, stating that the Rwandan contingent is "the backbone of UNMISS."
He further elaborated on the strategic significance of Rwanda's presence, describing the roles of the three battalions stationed in volatile regions like Upper Nile State, Juba, and Eastern Equatoria state.
These battalions not only protect civilians but also serve as a stabilizing force in areas prone to ethnic clashes and armed conflict.
One of the battalions stationed in Upper Nile State is responsible for guarding the only Protection of Civilians (POC) camp managed by UNMISS, which houses over 40,000 displaced individuals.
In addition to securing the camp, Rwandan peacekeepers work alongside the Indian battalion to provide essential services, ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by conflict.
In Juba, the capital of South Sudan, another Rwandan battalion plays a crucial role in city security and surrounding areas. Initially brought in as part of the Rapid Protection Force in response to the 2016 civil war, this battalion now serves as a vital element in the ongoing efforts to maintain stability.
The third battalion oversees operations in Eastern Equatoria, a region critical to South Sudan's security landscape.
Besides, the Rwandan aviation unit, the only military aviation unit in UNMISS, provides indispensable support in operations that require rapid deployments, long-distance patrols, and crisis response.
Beyond their military role, Rwandan peacekeepers have also engaged in civil-military cooperation activities (CIMIC), helping to rebuild the war-torn communities in which they serve.
These activities include setting up medical camps, training civilians in essential skills, and providing infrastructure support such as road repairs.
Such efforts are funded by the Rwandan government and designed to strengthen the bond between peacekeepers and local communities.
Rwanda has participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions for 20 years. Additionally, it has been 30 years since the country emerged from the tragic history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Drawing from their own history, having endured and recovered from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandan troops embody resilience and serve as role models as highlighted by UNMISS commander.
'Each contingent brings with itself its own uniqueness. Now, the Rwandan contingent being our biggest contingent, its uniqueness almost defines us. Now, what is unique about the Rwandan contingent is that in a very short time of organization from 1994, the Rwandan army has very solid doctrines and very well made standard operating procedures,' he noted.
'Officers and troops are very well trained. They are robust, ready to take on any activity. And they understand UN missions very well, being such a major contributor in many missions. So they are a very robust component of the force,' Lt Gen Subramanian added.
He also emphasized that Rwanda's constitutional mandate for international peacekeeping adds to the country's sense of purpose in these missions.
The Commander noted that this gives Rwandan peacekeepers a unique edge, as they approach their work not just as an international duty but as part of a national commitment to global stability.
"What Rwanda has suffered in 1994 needs no emphasis, and that gives a certain sense of purpose to their peacekeepers," he added.
The Rwandan contingent also contributes heavily to operational leadership within UNMISS.
The sector commander in the highly sensitive and flood-prone Unity State is from Rwanda, as well as key officers in the mission's command structure.
Rwanda's Deputy Chief of Operations in UNMISS is responsible for the planning and execution of all major missions, further underscoring the leadership role that Rwanda plays in this global peacekeeping effort.
Théophile Niyitegeka
