The incident occurred approximately three kilometers away from the town of Sam-Ouandja in the north-east region of the country.

At the time of the incident, the peacekeepers were on patrol, providing a protective presence in the vicinity of Sam-Ouandja, located in the Haute Kotto Prefecture. In response to the attack, sources reveal, the peacekeepers returned fire where they killed three attackers and captured one.

RDF has through released a statement mourning the demise of a Rwandan peacekeeper and reiterated commitment to continue protecting civilians.

“The Rwanda Defence Force is deeply saddened by the death of a Rwandan peacekeeper serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), following an attack on MINUSCA patrol on 10 July 2023 by armed elements, near Sam- Ouandja, Haute- Kotto Province, North Eastern, CAR,” reads part of the statement.

“The RDF firmly condemns the attack and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the fallen peacekeeper. RDF peacekeepers remain committed to the protection of civilians within the mandate of MINUSCA, and the other peacekeeping missions under which our troops serve,” adds the statement.

The head of the UN mission, Valentine Rugwabiza has condemned the attack and assured that peacekeepers would maintain their presence in Sam-Ouandja.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary-General, has also expressed profound condolences to the fallen peacekeeper’s family, colleagues, as well as the people and government of Rwanda.

Rwanda Defence Force is one of the largest troop contributors to MINUSCA since 2014.