Rwanda National Police

Rwandan Police, military and prison peacekeepers in Central African Republic, Haiti, South Sudan and Darfur, on Tuesday, spared time off their peacekeeping duties to mark the 23rd Liberation anniversary, observed every July 4.

The peacekeepers were joined by Rwandans in Diaspora and friends of Rwanda in the mission countries, as well as senior UN staff in the four missions.

Sandra Honore, the UN-SG Special Representative to Haiti decorating ACP Faustin  Ntirushwa, the contingent commander during the medal parade and 23rd liberation anniversary.

The separate events were presided over by government and top UN officials.

In Haiti, the Liberation activities included a Medal Parade where Rwandan police peacekeepers were awarded the UN medals of service excellence.

Sandra Honore, the UN-SG Special Representative to Haiti, who officiated at the joint event, commended Rwanda's leaders for liberating the country by stopping the Genocide, transforming the country and it’s commitment to supporting peacekeeping efforts in other countries.

She thanked the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent, who was awarded medals, for their dedication and professional services, as well as their human security activities.

Rwanda maintains a contingent of 160 police under the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

UNMISS Police Commissioner and other top UN officials during the event to mark the 23rd Liberation anniversary in Juba.

The contingent commander of the Rwandan Police contingent in Haiti, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Faustin Ntirushwa, reiterated Rwanda’s continued commitment in securing and rebuilding the country, and thanked other peacekeepers and the people of Haiti for the partnership in security and humanitarian activities.

The occasion was also attended by the MINUSTAH Police Commissioner, Brig. Georges-Pierre Monchote, among others.

In CAR, the event was held at the Rwandan military peacekeepers’ base in the capital Bangui, and presided over by the Minister of Defence of CAR, Joseph Yakitte 

It was also attended by the UN Special Representative in MINUSCA, Parfait Onanga Anyanga and residents.

The Minister of Defence of CAR, Joseph Yakitte speaking at the event.

Minister Yakitte thanked Rwanda’s support in the restoration of peace and security in CAR.

“A friend is the one who comes to your rescue when in need. Rwanda supported us at the time we needed it most. I want to thank Rwandan military and police for your commitment and sacrifice during such tough times,” Minister Yakitte said.

Rwandan peacekeepers in CAR attending the liberation anniversary event.

Anyanga, on his part, urged the Rwandan peacekeepers to uphold their exemplary services.

“The strength and spirit you exhibited to liberate your country is no longer your specialty but a valuable tool for all; it’s a pride to all of us,” Anyanga said.

In South Sudan, the peacekeepers, members of the Diaspora and UN staff from all the 36 contributing countries, braved the heavy down pour to mark the day.

UNMISS SRSG David SHIERER speaking at the event.

David Shierer, the UN Special Representative for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), who was the guest of honor, praised Rwanda’s rapid transformation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed more than one million lives, and also contributing to peacekeeping efforts in the world’s newest nation.

Present was also UNMISS Police Commissioner, Commissioner of Police (CP) Bruce Munyambo.