Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) have provided free medical services to 68 inmates at Bria Prison in Haute-Kotto Prefecture as part of humanitarian outreach activities ahead of the United Nations Day celebrations on May 29, 2026.
The medical outreach, conducted by the Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital and Rwanda Battle Group VIII (RWABG VIII), forms part of community support initiatives undertaken by Rwandan peacekeepers during the week leading up to the annual UN commemoration.
Inmates received a range of medical services, including internal medicine, dental care, eye treatment, and dermatology consultations. Free medicines were also distributed to support the prisoners’ healthcare needs.
Speaking during the exercise on Thursday, Deputy Commander of Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital, Lt Col Dr Isaiah Nzayisenga, said the initiative was aimed at supporting inmates who have limited access to medical care.
He emphasized that healthcare remains a fundamental human necessity, especially for vulnerable populations living under difficult conditions such as prisoners.
The Director of Bria Prison, Mahamai Adoum Salle, commended the Rwandan contingent for its continued support, noting that the peacekeepers have consistently provided free treatment and medicines to inmates.
“This is not the first time Rwandan peacekeepers have come to provide medical care and medicines to prisoners here in Bria. Normally, when prisoners are taken to outside clinics, medicines must be purchased. However, when the Rwandan contingent conducts such outreach activities, inmates receive treatment and medicines free of charge,” Salle said.
He thanked MINUSCA and the Rwandan peacekeepers for what he described as valuable humanitarian support and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
Chief of the Supervision and Health Care Quality Section at the District Sanitary Office of the Haute-Kotto Region, Ponombo Felix, also praised the initiative, citing the severe healthcare challenges faced by prisoners due to the lack of a prison clinic and limited medical personnel.
“The prison faces serious healthcare challenges, including the absence of a clinic and limited medical capacity. The provision of medicines and specialist doctors by the Rwandan contingent is commendable, and we hope this support continues,” he said.
The outreach reflects the ongoing commitment of Rwandan peacekeepers under MINUSCA to improving humanitarian conditions and supporting vulnerable communities in the Central African Republic.
