Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Monday, April 19, deployed the third and last cohort of 80 Police officers as part of the rotation of Formed Police Unit-One (FPU-1) contingent serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The third batch left Kigali International Airport headed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Prosper Nshimiyimana.

They are part of FPU-1 contingent of 240 officers commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Faustin Kalimba, which will be deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

Later in the evening, at about 6pm, the last batch of 80 officers, who are part of the replaced contingent commanded by CSP Fabien Musinguzi, also returned home after a successful tour-of-duty.

Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, Commissioner for Public Relations and Media, presided over the departure and arrival of the last cohorts.

"On the behalf of Rwanda National Police leadership, I welcome you back home and commend you for the integrity and discipline you exhibited, whith helped you to successfully accomplish the duty and maintain the good image of RNP and the country in general," CP Kabera said while welcoming the last group of the replaced contingent.

The RNP spokesperson reminded them to observe all government directives set to contain the pandemic of COVID-19.

ALSO READ: South Sudan rotation: Rwanda deploys second batch of Police 

CSP Musinguzi said "it was a successful tour-of-duty" despite some challenges experienced. 

"We have successfully completed our mandate although we faced challenges associated with the Covid-19 pendemic. We conducted separate duties such as the protection of civilians in internally displaced camps, UN personnel, security of key installations and humanitarian assistance, and other tasks contributing to the social welfare of the citizens," said CSP Musinguzi. 

The rotation was conducted in batches as part of the COVID-19 prevention measures, where cohorts are required to first spend 14 days in quarantine before undertaking any peacekeeping duties 

This is the sixth rotation of FPU-1 in South Sudan following the maiden deployment of the first contingent in 2015.