On October 11, 2026, Rwandan troops serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) joined local residents and Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) personnel in a community service event at Hidjama Primary School in Bria. The event, known as Umuganda, aimed to clean the school and create a conducive learning environment for students. The initiative was led by the Rwandan Battle Group and Rwanda Level Two Hospital.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Fertit Province Governor Thierry Évariste Binguinendji, FACA Eastern Central Sector Commander Lt Col SOÏMONA Nestor, Rwandan troops commander Col Dr Christian Mukwesi, and Rwanda Battle Group VIII Commander Lt Col David Ngabonziza. Other local leaders and residents also participated in the event. The Ministry of Defence in Rwanda reported that the event demonstrated the commitment of Rwandan troops to community development and cooperation with local authorities.
The Hidjama Primary School, where the Umuganda event took place, is located in Bria, a town in the Central African Republic. Local residents expressed gratitude to the Rwandan troops for their involvement in the community service event. Nemengalia Franck Gael, a parent with a child at the school, praised the troops for their efforts, saying their involvement demonstrated their commitment to building strong relationships with local communities.
Lt Col David Ngabonziza, commander of Rwanda Battle Group VIII, highlighted the importance of collaboration between security forces and local residents. He emphasized that working closely with the people of Bria was essential, as they were the primary stakeholders in maintaining peace and security in the area. The event showcased the strong partnership between Rwandan troops, local authorities, and residents.
The Umuganda event was organized to promote community development and social cohesion. Rwandan troops have been serving in the Central African Republic as part of MINUSCA, with a mandate to maintain peace and stability. The event demonstrated their commitment to engaging with local communities and contributing to their well-being.
The Ministry of Defence in Rwanda reported that the Umuganda event was a success, with participants working together to clean the school and create a conducive learning environment. The event highlighted the strong partnership between Rwandan troops, local authorities, and residents in promoting community development and peacebuilding.
The collaboration between Rwandan troops and local residents in Bria is part of a broader effort to promote peace and stability in the Central African Republic. The event demonstrated the commitment of Rwandan troops to building strong relationships with local communities and contributing to their development. Three key points emerged from the event: the importance of collaboration between security forces and local residents, the commitment of Rwandan troops to community development, and the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- Rwandan troops participate in community service event in Central African Republic
- Event aims to promote community development and social cohesion
- Collaboration between security forces and local residents essential for peace and stability
