Rwanda National Police

Rwandan police and military peacekeepers serving under the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operations in Darfur (UNAMID) in El Fasher, were on Monday September 5, decorated with medals in recognition of the professionalism and gallant service in carrying out their duties of bringing peace and stability in Darfur.

Presiding over the event, the UNAMID Force Commander, Lt Gen Paul Ignace Mella thanked the Peacekeepers for honoring the mandate.

“UNAMID congratulates you; we appreciate so much the eleven months you have spent here. UNAMID leadership is proud of the performance you have exhibited while serving in this mission, congratulations,” Mella said.

‎The Acting UNAMID Police Commissioner Dr. Mutasem Almajali commended the culture of Rwandan contingents, both Army and Police of holding joint medal events which, he stressed as unique to only Rwandan Contingents in the mission. 

He further appreciated contributions made by Rwanda to UN missions, notably female police officers. 

He conveyed his gratitude to the Inspector General of Rwanda National Police for his leadership role to that effect.

The Chargé d’Affaires in the Rwandan Embassy in Sudan, Ismail Shyaka Kajugiro told the decorated peacekeepers that “receiving your recognition today is because you have contributed to the United Nations’ overall efforts to bring peace and stability, not forgetting numerous challenges you face in your daily work.”

He added that; “We are certain that you will continue to work to ensure that stability and calm remain the norm in that area for which you are responsible.”

Kajugiro reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to regional cooperation and contribution to world peace engagements in ending conflicts and ensuring they don’t spill over to neighboring territories and regions.

The Sudanese Minister of urbanisation and planning, Dr Mohammad Kamal hailed the Rwandan Peacekeepers for their teamwork and the friendliness they created with Darfur communities.

“Thank you for the efforts you invested in bringing peace to our country, I wish you good stay in our country for the remaining period that you will still be with us”, Kamal said.

The Contingent Commander of Rwandan Police peacekeepers, Chief Superintendent Felly Bahizi Rutagerura thanked the UNAMID leadership for their support and guidance.

He cited the Rwanda’s tremendous resilience from a nearly failed state that perpetuated the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi to a modern and safe country to date.

He extended his appreciations to the entire leadership of Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Defense Force for their unwavering guidance and support that helps Rwandan peacekeepers to operate professionally with discipline and zeal.

 “We promise to continue to maintain the high standard that has come to be our distinguishing mark” he stressed.

Since 2004, Rwandan peacekeepers have been serving the cause of peace in Darfur and other parts of the world.