Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have intensified community outreach efforts in South Sudan, reinforcing trust and cooperation between troops and local residents.
The latest engagement took place on Saturday, February 14, 2025, at the Makal protection site, where Rwandan forces are deployed to safeguard civilians.
As part of the initiative, the Female Engagement Team organized a volleyball match aimed at fostering unity, confidence and closer interaction with women in the community. The sporting event served as a platform to strengthen social bonds and encourage open dialogue.
Beyond recreation, the peacekeepers conducted practical training sessions. Female soldiers demonstrated self-defense techniques to women and provided awareness sessions for young girls on preventing gender-based violence, protecting themselves against malaria, and ensuring proper use of safe drinking water.
Rwanda has been contributing troops to South Sudan since 2012, a year after the country gained independence. Over the years, Rwandan contingents have played a pivotal role in civilian protection, securing camps for refugees and internally displaced persons, safeguarding key installations, and supporting humanitarian and community development programs.
Rwandan peacekeepers are widely recognized for their professionalism, discipline and strong civil-military cooperation. Their outreach initiatives have included constructing schools, rehabilitating water facilities, offering basic medical services, and conducting public health and hygiene campaigns.
Such activities are aimed at promoting sustainable peace while strengthening confidence and collaboration between peacekeepers and the communities they serve.
