Rwanda National Police

On Friday, November 8, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, Vincent Sano briefed a Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent of 180 officers, which will be deployed in Central Africa Republic, and urged them to fulfill their duties as they were trained to do.

Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU3-3) commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Thomas Kayonga will replace RWAFPU3-2 in Bangassou under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

During the pre-deployment briefing at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters, Kacyiru, DIGP Sano challenged them to be defined by their professionalism performance.

"This is a national duty that you were trained and equipped to do as healthy and skilled officers. Avoid anything that can tarnish the image of your contingent and the country," DIGP Sano said.

He added: "You are going as peacekeepers but also as ambassadors; whatever you will do should reflect the image of your country, Rwanda National Police and the international community."

DIGP Sano also underlined discipline, building partnership with other peacekeepers and the local communities, teamwork, respect for diversity and Rwandan values as ingredients to a successful tour-of-duty.

Rwanda started deploying Police peacekeepers to CAR in 2014. Today, it maintains four Police contingents there; three FPUs and a Protection Support Unit (PSU)

Rwanda FPU-1 and PSU operates in the capital Bangui while FPU-2 and FPU-3 are deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and Bangassou, respectively.

The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.