English
Kinyarwanda
A contingent of 140 Rwanda National Police (RNP) officers under the Specialized Protection Support Unit (PSU IV) yesterday departed to the Central African Republic (CAR) aboard the national carrier (RwandAir) for a one-year peacekeeping mission, effective this January 17.
The Police Officers will operate under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Prior to their deployment, the officers were briefed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, DIGP Felix Namuhoranye who urged the officers to remain Professional, disciplined and to perform their policing duties with excellence.
CP Namuhoranye urged the officers to build on their predecessor’s legacy, who were branded by both nationals and fellow peace keepers for performing duties with due diligence and high level of professionalism.
CP Namuhoranye expressed confidence in the skills, Knowledge and Capacity of the deployed officers notwithstanding the challenges they would face in the fragile security situation in CAR.
He also reminded them to respect the culture and beliefs of the people of CAR while also supporting them in community development activities.
The force is mandated to undertake special duties such as protection for VIPs, key installations and infrastructures.
The contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of police (CSP) Emmanuel Kabanda said they will operate in the Capital Bangui, and that the contingent’s focus will be the "success of the implementation of their mandate."
Meanwhile, 140 officers yesterday arrived in Kigali from CAR after the end of their one-year tour of duty in CAR.
The incoming contingent was commanded by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Hatari, who noted that the force under his command performed well as per the mandate.
ACP Hatari commended the discipline and dedication of the officers as well as the good relations with the local population, which partly facilitated them to ably accomplish their duties.
“Besides peacekeeping, we also contributed to sustainable development of the people of CAR by providing medical services, helping the needy and participating in community work activities (Umuganda)” said the Contingent Commander.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) maintains three contingents under MINUSCA: two FPUs and a Protection Support Unit each composed of 140 officers.
Rwanda started its peacekeeping operations in CAR in 2014, when the maiden FPU contingent was deployed. Since then, 13 contingents have been deployed on a rotational basis.
Currently, Rwanda maintains 1,199 Police peace keepers, who are deployed in UN Missions in Sudan, Haiti, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Abeyi.
