He was accompanied by the RDF Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga. According to the RDF, the visit took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Upon arrival, Maj Gen Nyakarundi was welcomed by the Commander of the 7th Rwandan Contingent, Lt Col Willy Ntagara, who briefed him on the security situation and the activities undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.

During his address to the troops, Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed messages from President Paul Kagame and the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, commending them for their professionalism and dedication to their duties.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Rwandan troops, both under the UN mandate and bilateral agreements between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, in restoring peace and improving the welfare of local communities. He urged them to remain vigilant and to uphold exemplary conduct throughout their mission.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi also provided an update on the security situation in Rwanda and the region. He assured the troops that Rwanda’s borders are well-secured against any provocation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to enhanced defense measures in place.

The 7th Rwandan Contingent in Bria operates as a tank battalion and is part of the RDF forces deployed under the MINUSCA mission. They also manage a Level 2+ hospital that provides medical services to UN personnel stationed in the eastern part of the country.

The hospital offers surgical procedures, anesthesia, emergency care, physiotherapy, radiology, internal medicine, and dental services.

The contingent’s primary duties include protecting civilians, conducting day and night patrols, and maintaining main roadways. They also engage in community outreach activities such as public service work (Umuganda), offering free medical care, and other initiatives aimed at improving the local population’s welfare.

Bria, the capital of Haute-Kotto province, is located approximately 600 kilometers from Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic. It is about a 1.5-hour flight from Bangui, but due to poor road conditions, the journey by road can take up to three days.

The province covers an area of 86,650 square kilometers, more than three times the size of Rwanda, and is home to over 120,000 residents.

A significant portion of the population in Bria consists of refugees, some of whom fled from Sudan, while others were displaced by conflicts between Muslim and Christian communities.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi visited Rwandan troops serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication to their duties.

The contingent’s primary duties include protecting civilians, conducting day and night patrols, and maintaining main roadways.