US Troops Arrive in Rwanda to Secure Airport and Airlift Relief Supplies

Strategic Insights -

US Defense Secretary Mr. William Perry arrived in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, to oversee the deployment of the first main contingent of US troops, who will secure the airport and facilitate the airlift of relief supplies to ease the plight of Rwandan refugees. The French Prime Minister, Mr. Edouard Balladur, and US Defense Secretary Mr. William Perry separately visited the Zairean border town of Goma to assess the US role in the Rwandan relief operation ahead of a French army pullout from Rwanda. US troops aim to secure the airport, restore power, and fix the control tower, with an estimated 25 flights a day expected to run through the airport.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first main contingent of US troops has arrived in Rwanda to secure the airport and facilitate the airlift of relief supplies.
  • US Defense Secretary Mr. William Perry led the deployment, emphasizing the need to speed up aid to refugees in Zaire, with relief flights expected to more than double the flow of supplies into Goma.
  • The initial objective is to secure the airport, get the power running, and fix the control tower, with an estimated 25 flights a day expected soon.
  • US troops will link up with 150 Canadians from a signals regiment, and about 550 British troops are due to arrive in Kigali from Tuesday.
  • United Nations officials reported an increase in the number of reported cases of cholera in refugee camps, but a decrease in the percentage of deaths.
  • The Medecins Sans Frontieres charity warned that a dysentery epidemic could prove a greater danger.

Statistics:

  • 25 flights a day expected to run through the airport.
  • 150 Canadians from a signals regiment linking up with US troops.
  • 550 British troops due to arrive in Kigali from Tuesday.
  • Rape and sexual violence have occurred in camps in Zaire (not explicitly cited, but implied in the article).
  • Number of reported cases of cholera in refugee camps continues to rise.
  • Percentage of cholera-related deaths appears to be decreasing.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • The article does not provide specific dates; however, it mentions that the US Defense Secretary arrived in Rwanda and that about 550 British troops are due to arrive from Tuesday.