Rwanda calls for strengthened capacity in UN peacekeeping operations
At the inaugural meeting of the United Nations Peacekeeping Committee in New York on 18 February 2026, Rwanda’s Defend and Military Advisor to the UN, Col Deo Mutabazi, emphasized that peacekeeping missions must be equipped with sufficient and sustainable resources to effectively achieve their objectives.
Col. Mutabazi highlighted challenges that limit the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, including inadequate funding, limited equipment, and inconsistent support. He noted that deploying troops and police without aligning resources and budgets could hinder mission success.
He further stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts rather than focusing solely on mitigating their effects. According to him, UN efforts should be closely coordinated with affected countries, prioritizing political solutions over purely military approaches to complex diplomatic challenges.
On the issue of hate speech, Col. Mutabazi warned that failing to publicly condemn language that incites violence or discrimination can be seen as tacit approval.
He noted that inaction can undermine the suffering of affected populations and called on UN member states to integrate hate speech prevention into civilian protection strategies, especially in conflict-prone areas.
Finally, he underscored the principle of gender equality in peacekeeping, stating that women must have full participation at all levels of peacekeeping operations. He argued that peace efforts without women’s involvement are less effective and urged greater inclusion of women in decision-making and mission activities.
Rwanda continues to reaffirm its support for UN peacekeeping initiatives, emphasizing that collaboration, adequate resources, and political foresight are key to achieving lasting peace.


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