Body of Rwandan peacekeeper killed in CAR repatriated
Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - The body of a Rwandan soldier, who was killed while serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSMA), has been returned to Rwanda, a military source confirmed in Kigali on Thursday.
Sergeant Major Edouard Nsabiyaremye was killed in an ambush by unknown militiamen on a convoy of the blue helmets northwest CAR's Gedze, Nana-Mambéré prefecture.
Following the attack, the UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack, which was allegedly carried out by elements with the Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R) armed group.
António Guterres expressed condolences to the family of the victim, and to the people and Government of Rwanda, according to a statement issued by his Spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Central African Republic authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack so that they can be brought to justice swiftly”, it said.
Rwanda's contingent of 750 soldiers (717 men and 33 women) deployed as part of the peacekeeping force have been involved in various operations to facilitate the implementation of the UN peacekeeping mandate and to restore state authority.
CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera on July 21 paid last respects to the fallen Rwandan peacekeeper.
-0- PANA TWA/AR 23July2020
