Rwanda National Police

Fifty two police officers from seven African countries, yesterday started a two weeks long United Nations Police Officer Course (UNPOC) on peacekeeping at the Police Training School (PTS) in Gishali, Rwamagana.

The course organized by the East African Standby force (Force) aims at preparing the officers to have a common understanding on peace building activities and improve their operational capabilities.

While opening the course, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda reassured Rwanda's commitment  to global peace and securities.

“Given the dynamics and complex nature of peacekeeping environment, there is need to ensure that future peacekeepers, both individually and collectively, are well-equipped with attitudes, skills and knowledge required to competently and efficiently discharge their mandated tasks. Hosting this course is a clear indication that, Rwanda takes seriously regional and global efforts in the attainment and maintenance of peace," said DIGP Marizamunda. 

The Deputy Police Chief went on to say that; “Conflicts continue to be a challenge across the globe posing a serious threat to peace, security and development. On the other hand, peacekeeping continues to be an important and effective tool available to the UN/AU to assist countries regain peace."

He further elaborated that the purpose of this course is to prepare participants for a role as UN/AU police peacekeepers with the wider perspective of international security in relation to Policing, and therefore, is in line with the mission of the EASF to maintain and sustain a fully operational and multidimensional integrated standby force ready to respond to emerging crises.

DIGP Marizamunda urged course participants to exploit the course and learn new skills, interact, share policing experiences as well as network in the interest of sustainable peace and peace in the region.

The officers attending the course are from Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles, Sudan, Somali, and Rwanda the host.

In his address, the head of the Police component at EASF, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dinah Kyasimire, said the training will increase the readiness in number of officers that are prepared to serve in peace support operations in the region and beyond.

“It is always our pride as EASF to conduct such courses because that is where our mandate lies. Among the things we have to do is preparing our pledged force, and do so by equipping them with all the necessary skills," she said.