Rwanda National Police

The President of the Central African Republic Catherine Samba Panza has lauded Rwanda for its role in restoring peace and security and taking a “noble initiative” to send Police peacekeepers before due date, in the conflict-prone nation.

In an exclusive interview at the State House in the capital Bangui, yesterday, Samba noted that her country has “experienced bad times in the past” brought about by individuals and groups that “violated the law” which requires a professional law enforcement agency to reinforce law and order and also share best policing practices with the local Police force and gendarmerie.

As per the United Nations plan, Police and military forces under the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (Minusca) are supposed to deploy effective September 15.

The Rwanda National Police started the deployment of its contingent of 140 officers under Rwanda Formed Police Unit one (RWFPU1), on Monday when the first batch and some equipment arrived in Bangui, where they will be based.

The second batch of officers and other equipment such as vehicles including armored ones arrived on Thursday morning. They were received at Bangui international airport by Chief Supt. Benoit Kayijuka, the contingent commander, who left with the first batch.

“Today, there is a strong bond between Central African Republic and Rwanda; we are enjoying strong bilateral cooperation. I am thankful that when I requested for Police peacekeepers, Rwanda became the first country to welcome it and to express willingness to send its contingent,” Samba said.

She noted that between April and September, there were many factions that were armed and dangerous, and many politicians that wanted to express and take their position before the arrival of MINUSCA forces.

“In the past few weeks, we have also been seeing bandits involved in violent theft and other criminal activities because they think when the blue berets arrive on September 15, the official date, it won’t be possible to implement their criminal acts. The coming of the Rwanda Police peacekeepers, therefore, is an honor to us because they will help to block and prevent these illegal acts and I am really grateful for anticipating this and arriving a bit earlier,” she reckoned

The contingent, which include 14 females, will be conducting patrols, ensure protection of VIPs, key installations and other escort duties.

Conflicts and mass killings came to a climax in December last year and at the beginning of this year when anti-balaka, composed of Christians accused Seleka, a coalition of moslem rebels of targeting and killing them hence mounting targeted attacks claiming hundreds and forcing hundreds of thousands others to flee their homes.

The former mayor of Bangui was also full of praises for the role played by the Rwandan troops in restoring calm and ensuring her security since their arrival in January.

“Since the arrival of Rwandan troops under Misca (African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), in January, and also taking over my security, I have come to learn them as a very professional, focused, respectful and friendly force. These are important elements in security and that’s why I chose them to provide me with security,” she said.

Rwanda maintains 850 troops in CAR and charged with, among others, to guard and escort the Head of State and President of the Senate.

They also ensure security of the vice President of the senate; Catholic and Anglican Church bishops, Imam of the Central Mosque, central prison, escorting convoy to the countryside, disarmament and have been sensitizing the local population and the warring parties