A Rwandan soldier serving with the United Nations in Central African Republic shot himself dead on Sunday, according to Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF).

The circumstances under which the incident occurred remains unclear.

“The RDF regrets to announce the death of Private Jean Claude Ngabo who shot himself dead on Sunday November 22, 2015 in Bangui, Central African Republic. The RDF and MINUSCA are investigating the incident to determine the motive,” reads a statement on the Ministry of Defence website.

“The family and next of kin have been informed as per procedure. The RDF condoles with the family of Private Ngabo.”

Incident comes barely four months after another RDF peacekeeper opened fire at the Rwandan battalion's headquarters in the capital Bangui, killed four colleagues and injured eight, before he was reportedly gunned down.

Central African Republic descended into violence in 2013 when President Francois Bozize was toppled by the largely Muslim Seleka rebel group. Seleka singled out Christians for attacks, who in turn formed anti-Balaka militia to fight back, fuelling one of the worst religious conflicts in the region.

The United Nations mission in Central African Republic, known as MINUSCA, was deployed to end the bloodlettings and shore up stability established under a transitional government.

Rwanda is among the top five contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.

The Pope is scheduled to visit Central African Republic on his upcoming tour of the continent.