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Rwandan peacekeepers from RWABG VIII and the Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital, serving under MINUSCA, joined fellow peacekeepers in Sector North-East to donate scholastic materials to pupils at Lydjama Primary School in Bria. The initiative supported children at the start of the 2026–2027 academic year and marked the International Day of Peace.

Before distributing the materials, the Rwandan peacekeepers’ medical team provided free healthcare services to 70 members of the local community.

The activities were attended by Haute-Kotto Sous-Préfet Brahim Abdoulaye, Academic Affairs Inspector Tem Ingo Souverin, MINUSCA Sector North-East Commander Brig Gen Joseph Mokwema, Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital Contingent Commander Col Dr Christian Mukwesi, and Rwanda Battle Group Commander Lt Col David Ngabonziza.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of the Fertit Region, Sous-Préfet Abdoulaye thanked MINUSCA contingents for supporting the International Day of Peace and helping children and parents at the start of the school year. He said the scholastic materials would help pupils begin the year under better conditions and praised MINUSCA for its contribution to peace, security and community support.

Brig Gen Mokwema said supporting primary education was an important way to mark the International Day of Peace, as education is essential to sustainable peace. “You cannot expect peace without education,” he said, adding that the initiative reflects MINUSCA’s commitment to education and peacebuilding.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between peacekeepers and local communities, noting that education helps young people develop their potential and contribute positively to society. He encouraged communities to support peace efforts, stressing that peace and security enable people to go about their daily activities and provide children with a safe environment for learning.