Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (FPU-1) peacekeepers deployed in Upper Nile State under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on Friday, July 9, participated in the peace marathon in Malakal, which was organised to mark the 10th independence anniversary of South Sudan.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, as the outcome of a 2005 agreement that ended Africa's longest-running civil war.

Runners also included military peacekeepers from Rwanda and India as well as UNMISS civilian workers in Malakal.

Rwandan Police runners dominated the 7.5km marathon by sweeping five positions in the top ten.

Sergeant Enock Ndagijimana won the men's category, Rwanda batallion took the second position while Police Constable (PC) Deo Twagirayezi in the third place scooped bronze medal.

Sergeant Ephrem Ndagijimana, Corporal Patrick Habimana and Sergeant Ali Muhizi came in sixth, seventh and ninth positions, respectively.

In the women category, Rwandan Police peacekeeper, Corporal Emertha Umureweneza scooped silver medal.

The Officer-in Charge--Malakal Head of Field Office (OIC-HOFO), Mikala Christian, who presided over the event, thanked the peacekeepers for the roles they play in the peace process in South Sudan.

He urged them to maintain the spirit to restore peace and security in the world's newest nation.

Mikala congratulated the winners of the independence marathon thanked all those who participated adding that "peace-building is not only done through security operations but also by engaging in activities that build social cohesion."

Rwanda FPU1-6 of 240 officers, is one of the two Rwandan Police contingents deployed under UNMISS. Rwanda FPU-3 of 160 officers operates in the capital Juba.