The first elements of a 300-strong African Union protection force left Kigali on Saturday for Sudan's troubled region of Darfur, where they are to help restore stability after clashes between the government and rebel forces.
"Twelve soldiers have already left with the equipment. We are expecting the others to leave tomorrow (Sunday) morning," Colonel Patrick Karegeya told reporters. The troops left with armoured vehicles, he said.
In total, 150 Rwandan troops are due to be airlifted into El-Feshir, capital of North Darfur state, followed by 150 Nigerian soldiers later this month.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame hailed the deployment as a source of pride for Africa, after inspecting the troops in Kigali.
"Your participation in this mission is a source of pride for the Rwandan people, for the government and for the whole of Africa," he told the men.