Rwanda National Police

Twenty Rwandan police peacekeepers serving under the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID),  were on Tuesday decorated with medals of service excellence.

The medal parade presided over by the Deputy Joint-Special Representative (DJSR) to UNAMID, Anita Ghebo was held at the mission headquarters.

The decorated officers currently in their final phase of their one year peacekeeping tour of duty, serve as Individual Police Officers (IPOs), whose tasks include mentorship and advisory.

The medal awarding ceremony was also attended by Officer in Charge of Mission Support Mr. Prem Singh; acting UNAMID Police Commissioner, Mr. Sultan Azam Temuri; UNAMID Police Chief of Staff, Mr. Amadu Mannah; Capacity Building Team Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Costa Joseph Habyara; Commanding Officer Rwanda Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel JB Rugema, among others.

Ghebo applauded medal beneficiaries for their hard work towards the attainment of sustainable peace in Darfur.

“It is a great honor and pride for me to witness the Rwanda National Police Contingent being awarded UNAMID Medal to recognize your valuable hard work,” Ghebo said.

"Rwandan Police officers are playing commendable roles towards the realization of the UNAMID mandate,” she added.

She thanked them for their resilience and standing challenges in protecting civilians and humanitarian assistance.

“Despite the challenging climatic conditions in Darfur, the Rwanda Police contingents continuedt to serve in various capacities in UNAMID with distinction,” Ghebo said.

She reiterated that Rwandans are exemplary and serve with honor for which they should be extremely proud of.

“I am delighted that this ceremony provides all of us an opportunity to appreciate your contribution to the Darfur peace process,” she stated.

Supt Karim Safari, who spoke on behalf of the medallists, reflected on RNP deployments since 2005 and Rwanda's commitment to international peace.

Rwanda currently maintains more than 1000 Police peacekeepers in Darfur, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Abyei.

Supt. Safari thanked the people of Darfur for their partnership in restoring peace, and the support of UN to effectively execute their duties.