The new Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Maj Gen Laston Ngosa, has pledged to work closely with Rwandan peacekeepers to strengthen the implementation of the mission’s mandate.
He made the remarks on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during a visit to Rwandan peacekeepers serving with RWANBATT-1 at the UN Tomping base in Juba. He was accompanied by UNMISS Chief of Staff Brig Gen Daisuke Horiguchi and other officials.
The visit was intended to give the Deputy Force Commander an opportunity to meet RWANBATT-1 personnel, assess their military operations, learn about the challenges they face and identify ways he could support the implementation of the peacekeeping mission’s mandate.
Upon arrival at the RWANBATT-1 base, Maj Gen Ngosa was received by the battalion commander, Lt Col Aloys Ntagwabira, who briefed him on the unit’s operations and responsibilities. He highlighted RWANBATT-1’s role in protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian activities and maintaining security in its area of responsibility.
Lt Col Ntagwabira thanked Maj Gen Ngosa for the visit, saying it was an encouragement to the Rwandan peacekeepers and demonstrated UNMISS leadership’s continued support for their work. He reaffirmed that RWANBATT-1 would continue to fulfill its responsibilities with discipline and professionalism.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Ngosa said the visit was aimed at helping him gain a better understanding of RWANBATT-1’s operations and identifying areas where UNMISS military leadership could provide support.
He urged RWANBATT-1 personnel to remain vigilant in maintaining security, strengthen their training and stay prepared for new responsibilities that may arise, particularly those related to the elections scheduled for December in South Sudan.
He also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian activities in accordance with UNMISS procedures and guidelines, as well as established communication channels.
Maj Gen Ngosa assured RWANBATT-1 that UNMISS military leadership would continue working with the unit and provide the support it needs.
The visit also included a tree-planting activity, followed by an inspection of RWANBATT-1’s equipment.
