The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Felix Namuhoranye has told Police officers set to be deployed for a peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic (CAR) that Rwanda’s image and ambassadorial duty should take precedence in the execution of their mandate.
DIGP Namuhoranye made the call on Friday, May 14, while briefing 140 officers of the Protection Support Unit (PSU-1) contingent to be deployed under the rotation arrangement in the UN Multidimentional Integration Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA).
This will be the sixth rotation of the Rwanda PSU since the first contingent was deployed in CAR in 2016.
The unit is largely charged with the security of top government officials including the Prime Minister, and other local and international VIPs.
“Whatever you will be doing it will be in the name of your country and your actions should define Rwanda’s good image and peacekeeping reputation,” DIGP Namuhoranye said.
He added: “You are 140 ambassadors, always remember what you stand for; you represent Rwanda and Rwandans, we expect you to come back with the reputation like those you are replacing or previous contingents.”
The Prime Minister of Central African Republic (CAR), Filimin Ngrebada, last week, awarded certificates to his Rwandan ’Special Escort Team’ in recognition of their service.
The recognized police officers are part of the PSU contingent that will be replaced.
The Deputy Police Chief challenged them to be defined by the Rwandan and RNP values.
“Be polite, professional, work and support each other as a team with self esteem. You are going to a country with different tradition and culture which should be respected,” he said.
Rwanda PSU 1-6 commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Innocent Rutagarama Kanyamihigo will replace PSU 1-5 headed by CSP Valens Muhabwa, which was deployed in January 2020.
The PSU is one of the three Rwanda Police contingents deployed under MINUSCA.
Rwandan peacekeepers join South Sudan Police in Umuganda
Rwandan Police peacekeepers from the Formed Police Unit-Three (FPU-3) contingent serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on Friday, May 14, joined the local Police in Umuganda at Yei Police station in Juba.
Spearheaded by FPU-3 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jeannette Masozera, the Rwandan peacekeepers worked together with South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers to clean the station and its surroundings.
They also picked up litter and trimmed bushes around the station.
Yei Police station commander, Capt. Madhong Kuc Yak thanked the Rwandan peacekeepers adding that the communal exercise defines the good relations between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), and the two countries in general.
“This community exercise sends good message to communities around this Police station of the importance of coming together for the common purpose. It is also something that will always remind us… a remembrance even when Rwandan peacekeepers complete their mission here in South Sudan,” said Capt. Madhong.
He added that Rwanda serves as an example of how Police and the public work together for the overall well-being of the people.
“Personally, I like the way you do it in Rwanda; how the Police and the citizens work together in such hygiene and human security activities. We know what happened in Rwanda—the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—and how the country has moved very fast with the reconciliation, commitment, and cooperation as one people and one voice as security organs. This is an example for us to follow,” Capt. Madhong added.
SSP Masozera pledged continued support and partnership in various aspects of policing and the overall wellbeing of civilians.
“As Rwandan Police peacekeepers, we are here to also support you,” SSP Masozera said, adding that Umuganda will be organized at least once every month.
