Rwanda, CAR military chiefs discuss defence cooperation

Rwanda and the Central African Republic (CAR) have discussed ways of strengthening military cooperation, with a focus on training, operational coordination and the implementation of existing agreements.

The discussions took place on Tuesday, November 3, when Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga met Gen Zéphirin Mamadou, Chief of General Staff of the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA), at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura.

Mamadou, who was in Rwanda for an official visit, also paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda. Both meetings focused on strengthening defence and military relations between the two countries.

On Monday, November 2, the two military chiefs attended a graduation ceremony at the RDF Basic Military Training Centre in Nasho, Kirehe District, where 254 FACA officers and other ranks completed a six-month Basic Special Operations Force Training programme.

The training is part of ongoing military capacity-building cooperation between Rwanda and CAR, aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Central African Republic's security forces.

The two countries have maintained security cooperation since 2014, when Rwanda first deployed troops to CAR under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Since then, Rwandan forces have contributed to civilian protection, stabilisation efforts and the safeguarding of key national institutions and facilities under the UN mission.

In December 2020, Rwanda further expanded its military involvement through a bilateral defence agreement with CAR, deploying additional troops to complement its contribution to MINUSCA.

The partnership has also involved training CAR soldiers, police officers and gendarmes to strengthen the country's security institutions.

In February 2024, Rwanda and CAR signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in policing and internal security.

By Prince Ruzigana