He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, where he discussed the RDF's missions in the Central African Republic (CAR), including both its role under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, and its operations based on bilateral agreements between the two nations.
For the past 30 years, Rwanda's security has remained unquestionable, with the country even contributing to regional stability. The RDF has played a crucial role in maintaining security in CAR and Mozambique, training thousands of soldiers in these countries to help them safeguard their nations in the future.
The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR began in 2014 and includes troops from various countries. However, Rwandan forces were given key responsibilities, such as protecting the country's President and First Lady, as well as securing critical infrastructure, including the capital, Bangui, and the main airport.
In the interview, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga provided in-depth insights into these operations and revealed that in the coming days, over 600 soldiers trained by the RDF in Mozambique will complete their training.
Excerpts:
IGIHE: You have visited Rwandan troops stationed in different parts of the Central African Republic, including those under the UN mission. What was the security situation like?
Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga: The security situation is very stable. Our visit had two main purposes. The first was to inspect the Rwandan troops under the UN mission, MINUSCA, as well as those deployed under bilateral agreements.
The second reason was to attend the graduation ceremony of Central African Republic soldiers we have been training.
We have trained three cohorts of CAR soldiers so far. We visited our forces in various locations, including Bria and Bossembélé. The Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of Rwanda to deliver a message to the troops.
What was the main message?
It was a message of appreciation for their excellent work in ensuring security across the country. Our forces have effectively secured all assigned areas, and as you may have heard, military officials praise the RDF soldiers for their work.
Our troops have been tasked with securing major roads, including those connecting Bangui to Douala in Cameroon and Sudan. They have done this successfully, and local communities have expressed their confidence in our forces.
Another key message was to reassure them that Rwanda remains completely secure and that they should continue their mission without any concerns.
Another main purpose of the agenda was today's passout of Central African soldiers ceremony that saw the graduation of 438 soldiers, adding to the 1,250 we have already trained in two previous cohorts. This is the third group we have trained, forming a highly specialized rapid response unit.
How will this unit operate, and how will you support it?
This unit has been built with strong capabilities, ensuring that the local forces will have the capacity to maintain security in the city and assist in other regions, in case we make a decision to withdraw our troops from Bangui, where RDF forces have been deployed since 2020.
The unit is now well-trained. We still have about two more training phases before the unit is fully complete.
What's next after the remaining two training phases?
Training will continue as part of a structured plan. Once the unit is fully formed, it will take on its operational responsibilities. It is also possible that we will continue providing support and training even as they begin their work. The unit is already functional in certain locations, carrying out its duties effectively.
How do the RDF troops under the UN mission and those deployed through bilateral agreements coordinate their work?
The UN peacekeeping troops are responsible for ensuring civilian security, protecting UN personnel, and safeguarding key leaders, including the President. They also secure critical infrastructure, such as the airport.
Meanwhile, the troops deployed under bilateral agreements arrived in 2020 as reinforcements following an attack by François Bozizé and his allies, who attempted to overthrow the democratically elected President of CAR. The President of CAR requested support from Rwanda's President to stop the attack.
We responded by deploying battle groups that halted the rebel offensive. After securing Bangui, our forces shifted their focus to training CAR troops to help them develop independent security capabilities.
We are now in the final phase of that mission, ensuring that local forces are fully equipped to maintain security once international forces leave.
What gives you confidence in the new recruits' readiness after witnessing today's graduation?
There are three key aspects. The first and most important is discipline. During training, we emphasize that military skills alone are not enoughâ€"discipline is what determines the success or failure of an army. It is evident that forces collapse because of indiscipline.
Of course, technical skills are also crucial, but discipline and strong leadership are fundamental. We have instilled these values in the troops we train.
Beyond CAR, the RDF is also deployed in Mozambique. What is the security situation there?
The situation is very stable. As you may recall, additional RDF troops were deployed there. We took over areas that were previously controlled by SADC forces, particularly in Macomia.
Initially, we were securing only Palma and Mocímboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand operations.
When the Southern African Development Community mission (SAMIM) withdrew from Macomia, insurgents were still present, especially in Katupa, a dense forest like Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest. We launched operations that successfully drove them out.
We also conducted operations along coastal areas, further weakening the insurgents. While some minor security incidents still occur, we are continuously addressing them.
What's next in Cabo Delgado?
We are now focused on restructuring the security forces and training Mozambique's army. The first intake of 600 soldiers is set to complete their training in Nacala soon, and we will be there to oversee their graduation. We are making significant progress in this mission.
Recently, there has been tension in neighboring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. What assurance can you give Rwandans?
We want to reassure Rwandans that the country is completely secure. Our borders are well-guarded. Previous threats along the border have been neutralizedâ€"ever since M23 took control of certain areas, we have had no further security issues on our borders.
This means that our security is intact. Our troops are effectively protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. That was part of our message to the forces, ensuring that they know Rwanda is safe.
People can sleep peacefully. As for those who threatened in the past, we all saw how that turned out for them, they achieved nothing.
IGIHE
