Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Monday, March 29, deployed the second cohort of 80 Police officers as part of the ongoing rotation of the Formed Police Unit-One (FPU-1) contingent serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The second batch of the FPU-1 contingent of 240 officers was deployed following the first cohort also of 80 officers deployed early this month.
The second cohort was led by CSP Faustin Kalimba, the contingent commander, for a one year tour-of-duty.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Denis Basabose, Commissioner for Counter-terrorism saluted them off at Kigali International Airport on Monday morning.
Before their departure, they had spent 14 days in quarantine, all tested negative for Covid-19 and vaccinated.
Meanwhile, later in the afternoon, CP Basabose also received a similar number of the replaced officers led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Gilbert Ryumugabe.
It is also the second cohort to be replaced under the rotation exercise.
The rotation in batches is part of the COVID-19 prevention measures, where they are also required to first undergo quarantine in South Sudan before starting their peacekeeping duties in Malakal, Upper Nile state.
CP Basabose, who represented RNP leadership, thanked the replaced officers for their professionalism and discipline during the tour-of-duty.
Their spirit, he added, maintained the good image of RNP and the country in general.
“Welcome back home… the RNP leadership commends yours service and for representing your country ably,” CP Basabose told the officers.
The new arrivals will also be tested for COVID-19 and quarantined.
Rwanda FPU mission in Malakal is mostly charged with the protection of civilians in internally displaced camps, UN personnel, security of key installations and humanitarian assistance, among others.
Prior to the deployment of FPU1-VI, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza urged them to be defined by their “professionalism, discipline, teamwork, integrity, values and alertness and the momentum to maintain and protect the image and reputation of their country.”
The rotation will be conducted in three phases as a deliberate effort to abide by the recommended health guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
