Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan | Rwandan Armed Forces platoon members, Capt. Deo Mutgoma (left) and Sgt.Joshua...... read more read more
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PANCHKHAL, Nepal - Shanti Prayas-2 peacekeeping training prepares Rwandan Armed Forces for future United Nations missions.
Rwandans are proud peacekeepers according to Capt. Deo Mutgoma, a peacekeeper with the Rwandan Armed Forces at Shanti Prayas-2, peacekeeping training exercise at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Center in Panchkhal, Nepal.
The two-week training exercise is part of the Global Peace Operations Initiative, a U.S. State Department program executed in the region by facilitators from U.S. Pacific Command. The training addresses major gaps in international peacekeeping operations. The program aims to build and maintain capability, capacity, and effectiveness of peacekeepers deploying to United Nations missions.
“This exercise is well organized, well prepared,” said Mutgoma, who has been on two peacekeeping missions. He said it is important to learn from exercises to know how to protect and negotiate with civilians.
“I am very happy to protect people in a dangerous area,” added Mutgoma.
Mutgoma said he is also happy to see so many different cultures at Shanti Prayas-2.
“We are observing more and more, so we learn to respect other cultures and work together,” Mutgoma said.
Rwanda shined during the cultural show at Shanti Prayas-2, which highlighted all the participating nations at Shanti Prayas-2. Rwanda performed a mesmerizing and colorful song and dance that showed the musical talent of their African culture.
“We are dancers, we are disciplined, and we are very happy to show our culture,” Mutgoma said.
Another Rwandan platoon member, Joshua Mayandinda said it’s great to learn so many new things. He said he is scheduled to go to Darfur, Sudan next year and is learning things at Shanti Prayas-2 that will help him on his deployment.
“It is great to work with other countries — the Nepalese are friendly and we are eager to learn.”
Mayandinda said he also wanted to thank those from Pacific Command who thought to invite them.
“This is a very nice experience for us.”
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2013 06:59 |
| Story ID: | 104997 |
| Location: | PANCHKHAL, NP |
| Web Views: | 268 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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