The Rwanda National Police has received a contingent of officers who completed a peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) after serving for more than a year.
The officers, who formed the RWAFPU3-3 contingent, arrived on Wednesday, March 11, at Kigali International Airport where they were welcomed by Commissioner of Police Yahya Kamunuga, representing the leadership of Rwanda National Police.
Kamunuga commended the officers for their discipline and professionalism during their deployment in the Central African Republic.
“We came to receive you just as we escorted you when you departed because the mission you were assigned was successfully accomplished. The leadership of Rwanda National Police appreciates the professionalism you demonstrated while representing the country,” he said.
He urged the officers to maintain the same commitment and teamwork as they resume duties at home to continue safeguarding the security of Rwandans and their property.
The returning contingent, which had been led by Senior Superintendent of Police Thomas Kayonga, has been replaced by a new team, RWAFPU3-4, commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Hitayezu. The new contingent is expected to serve a one-year tour of duty.
Speaking on behalf of the returning officers, Superintendent of Police Bernard Gatete said the contingent fulfilled its core mandate of protecting civilians in Bangassou while also supporting community development initiatives.
“In addition to protecting civilians in Bangassou, we carried out several community-focused activities aimed at improving the welfare of local residents, some of which were done in collaboration with the community,” he said.
Among the initiatives implemented were providing access to clean water, participating in monthly community work activities, offering medical services and establishing a youth football team to promote social cohesion.
Gatete added that the contingent also contributed to ensuring a secure environment during elections held in the country.
Rwanda began deploying police officers to the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic in 2014. Currently, the country has four police contingents serving under MINUSCA, including RWAFPU-1 and a Police Support Unit (PSU) stationed in the capital Bangui, RWAFPU-2 deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and RWAFPU-3 operating in Bangassou.
