Leaders of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Nebraska National Guard in US are set to launch a partnership that is expected to focus sharing expertise in emergency and disaster response, as well as strengthening cooperation in peacekeeping operations and readiness.
The Nebraska Army National Guard is a group of Army National Guard units in the U.S. state of Nebraska.
Rwanda Military Spokesperson Lt Col Innocent Munyengango explained that the move comes at time Rwanda is quite familiar with contributing more troops each year to United Nations peacekeeping missions than all but a few much larger countries.
“We are eager to partner with Nebraska National Guard to exchange knowledge and experience in areas such as capacity building of our Defence Forces, disaster management and other areas of cooperation that will benefit our Citizens,” the senior Rwandan military officer said.
Today, UN military personnel – the Blue Helmets on the ground – consist of more than 90,000 military personnel contributed by national armies from across the globe. They work alongside UN Police and civilian colleagues to promote stability, security, and peace processes to promote lasting peace.
According to Rwanda defense Spokesperson Lt. Col. Innocent Munyengango, Rwanda currently maintains five infantry battalions, a mechanised infantry battalion, a mechanized infantry battle group, an aviation unit, a level II hospital, staff officers, liaison officers and military observers, in support of five UN missions across the world.
Reacting to current efforts, Maj. Gen. Daryl L. Bohac, Nebraska National Guard adjutant general said: “The Nebraska National Guard is honored to have a new state partnership and build an even stronger relationship between the United States and Rwanda”
“I know that the training opportunities, cultural experiences and professional exchange of ideas that the SPP makes possible will benefit both the Nebraska National Guard and Rwanda for years to come,” he said.
CU/abj/APA