Rwanda National Police

The United Nations has commended the government of Rwanda for its commitment in restoring peace in conflict-ridden countries and early Police deployment in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The advance team of the Rwanda Police peacekeepers under Rwanda Formed Police Unit One (RWAFPU) arrived in CAR on Monday morning for a one year peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The RWAFPU1 contingent of 140 officers including 14 females will be deployed in CAR in four shifts.

Capt. Paolo Bonanno, the Acting Chief of Operations Standing Police Capacity-Police division in UN, while receiving the advance team at its base in the capital Bangui, said their arrival brings hope to the people of CAR.

“I am happy to receive the advance team of Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU). In the meeting in New York, when we requested countries that were willing and ready to deploy FPU contingent in Central African Republic, Rwanda immediately expressed her will and ability in both logistical and personnel and we are happy today they lived to their promise,” Bonanno said.

“I believe Rwanda is ready to face security challenges to accomplish their mission mandate such as protection of civilians, restoring stability, justice and human rights. The most important part is for all peacekeepers, both army and police from all contributing countries to harmonize their activities to restore stability and hope in this country,” he added.

Chief Supt. Benoit Kayijuka, RWAFPU contingent commander, who was part of the advance team, said that Rwanda is ready to deal with the security challenges.

“It has always been Rwanda’s desire and willingness to share its best practices and use its success stories to bring about peace in other countries and Rwanda is always prepared to intervene to make Africa and the world in general a safer place for all,” CSP Kayijuka said.

Rwanda became the first nation to deploy a contingent of FPU under MINUSCA.