Rwanda hosts int'l course on civilians protection

An international course on the protection of civilians opened Wednesday at Rwanda Peace Academy in Musanze district, northern Rwanda.

Speaking at the opening, Rwanda's Justice Minister Johnston Busingye called on nations to seek lasting peace on the continent.

"The contemporary operating environment of peacekeeping is becoming more complicated," he said.

"Civilians have deliberately been targeted in armed conflicts. New and emerging threats call for peacekeepers to perform while at the same time remaining credible, impartial and professional," he said.

The week-long course drew participants from 14 countries on the continent and beyond, including military, police officers and civilians. Endit