Rwanda National Police

The acting Police Commissioner of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has commended the "exemplary service" for the previous Rwandan Police peacekeepers and challenged those that took over the assignment to maintain the standards.

Brig. Gen. Mutasem Aljadid Almajali, who is also the UNMISS Deputy Police Commissioner, made the remarks on Friday, December 18, during his maiden meeting with Rwanda Formed Police Unit-Three (RWAFPU-3) contingent commanders and officers, who arrived in Juba in October.

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Brig Mutasem briefed the contingent on the new mission dynamics including the recent redesignation and reconfiguration of the protection of civilian sites (PoC), which have since been turned into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

He mentioned that these changes call for peacekeepers to also change posture in their operations.

“This calls for common readiness and response based on new mission dynamics and existing political situations” Brig. Gen. Mutasem said.

In October, an operation coordination agreement was signed between UNMISS and South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), empowering the local police service to assume primary responsibility for the protection of all citizens.

The agreement, signed between UNMISS Police Commissioner, Unaisi Lutu Vuniwaqa and General Majak Akec, Inspector General of SSNPS, provides an overarching framework delineating the roles and responsibilities of UNPOL and SSNPS in terms of policing activities within and around these camps. 

These activities include responding to sexual and gender-based violence and other criminal acts. 

It will ensure a combined effort to protect displaced civilians through coordinated security patrols and information-sharing.

Brig. Gen. Mutasem expressed optism that the Rwandan FPU-3 contingent, who are also partly charged with the protection of IDP camps, will operate professionally basing his hopes on previous performance of other Rwandan officers, who have served with UNMISS.

“The previous cohort of Rwandan FPU-3 served with extra-ordinary performance and we have every hope in you to maintain or increase the bar higher; your morale high and commendable, keep the good work," he mentioned. 

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RWAFPU-3 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jeannette Masozera briefed the delegation, which included the Juba Field Office Police Coordinator, John Murangira of the technical and operational capability of the female dominated unit.

She said the unit is operating successfully, challenges of covid-19 notwithstanding.