Rwanda National Police

One-hundred female Police officers set to be deployed for the UN peacekeeping duties as Individual Police Officers (IPOs), were on Friday, December 11, urged to uphold discipline and other Rwandan values required on them while on mission.

This was during a one-day workshop for female Police Officers in preparation for the UN mission held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.

Participants include those who either passed the UN selection test and are cleared for deployment or passed the first level of the test.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Yahaya Kamunuga, Commissioner for Human Resource Management and Development in RNP, urged them to maintain the values that define Rwandans and a Rwandan Police officer in particular.

"Discipline, politeness and professional conduct that defines you here at home should guide and depict your charactor and service while on duty," ACP Yahaya told the female officers.

He added:  "What we are telling you is nothing new; it is what you were trained to do as a professional Rwandan Police officer representing your country. Always respect and comfort the local people, the peacekeepers from other countries, whom you will be working together, and be resilient."

ACP David Butare, Commissioner for Peace Support Operations (PSO) reminded them that they will be going to countries with different traditions and culture, but which must be respected.

"Uphold team work, respect diversity and learn from each other. We do not expect any reports of indiscipline," ACP Butare said.

ACP Teddy Ruyenzi, one of the high ranking female Police officers in the force, and who commanded the first Rwandan female dominated Police contingent in South Sudan, encouraged them to stay focused, committed and always guide and be there for each other.

"Have a purpose, strive for something better and know that there is always something new to learn either through training or from other people," ACP Ruyenzi told the female officers.

Rwanda, she said, has made a name in various UN missions and that the people in those countries always believe and have trust in Rwandan officers, a name they should continue to sustain and build on.

"The local people, especially women and children feel very safe and open whenever they see Rwandan women peacekeepers. They break silence on the injustices and violence they face; listen and become their voice to relevant authorities."

Inspector of Police (IP) Juliet Gasengayire and Senior Sergeant Kuradusenge Olive are among the female officers, who attended the workshop.

They said that the workshop and advice given will guide them to a successful tour-of-duty and to keep the Rwandan flag high.

Rwanda maintains more that 1000 Police officers in various UN missions with over 100 of them serving as IPOs, including 15 female peacekeepers.