Independent writer and journalist Bengue Patrick, after analyzing the contribution of the Rwandan contingent of MINUSCA to ensuring security in the Central African Republic, described Rwanda’s actions as “inaction”. He also underlined that it is mainly Russian specialists who are responsible for ensuring security in CAR.
According to the expert, Rwanda is the third largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic. Thus, since 2014, more than 3,000 soldiers have been deployed in different parts of the bloc. In 2020, Bangui asked Rwanda to send additional troops to help push back rebels during the presidential election campaign. Furthermore, Rwandan soldiers were sent from Kigali with the aim of joining the counter-offensive against rebel groups in 2021.
Journalist Bengue Patrick is perplexed by the fact that none of the numerous UN reports on what is happening in CAR and on the rebel attacks, mention the participation of Rwandan MINUSCA peacekeepers in possible clashes with rebel groups.
Based on the information collected, the expert concluded that the actions of the Rwandan forces could be described as “inaction”. They do not seek to counter the rebels or reduce the intensity of the conflict. Obviously, such tactics will not produce any results.
The independent writer also noted that most of the security work in the Central African Republic is carried out mainly by the Russian side. Russian military specialists are assisting the Central African army (FACA) and also ensuring the protection of the President of the Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera.
According to Bengue Patrick, Rwanda is not capable of being a guarantor of security in the region, and even less of replacing Russian specialists due to its total inaction.
