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Kinyarwanda
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, CP Vincent Sano, on Tuesday, March 8, briefed a contingent of 140 officers set to be deployed in Central African Republic, urging them to maintain discipline and continue upholding Rwanda’s strong reputation in international peacekeeping operations.
The Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three, rotation four (RWAFPU3-4) commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Emmanuel Hitayezu, will replace RWAFPU3-3 in Bangassou under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
During the pre-deployment briefing held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru, DIGP Sano urged the officers to remain professional and dedicated to the mission they were “selected and trained to undertake.”
“This is a national duty that you were trained and equipped to carry out as healthy and skilled officers. Avoid anything that can tarnish the image of your contingent and the country,” DIGP Sano said.
“You are going as peacekeepers but also as ambassadors; whatever you do should reflect the image of your country, the Rwanda National Police, and the international community,” he added.
He further stressed the importance of discipline, teamwork, respect for diversity, and building strong partnerships with fellow peacekeepers and local communities as key elements for a successful tour-of-duty.
Additionally, he urged them to follow the example set by their predecessors by continuing community-oriented activities aimed at improving the welfare of citizens, fostering positive relations with the local population, and collaborating effectively with other security institutions in the host country.
Rwanda began deploying police peacekeepers to the Central African Republic in 2014. Currently, the country maintains four police contingents under MINUSCA: three Formed Police Units (FPUs) and a Protection Support Unit (PSU).
Rwanda FPU-1 and the PSU operate in the capital Bangui, while FPU-2 and FPU-3 are deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and Bangassou, respectively.
The Protection Support Unit is primarily responsible for ensuring the security of high-profile government and United Nations officials, including the Prime Minister, the President of the National Assembly, the Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Police Component, among others.
