170 Police officers set off for South Sudan mission

At approximately 8:40am on Thursday, a plane carrying 170 Rwanda National Police officers left Kigali international Airport as the officers set off for a one year United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU-1) includes 37 females.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DCGP Dan Munyuza saluted off the officers.

The contingent is headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rogers Rutikanga and deputized by CSP Dan Ndayambaje. They will be stationed and operating in Malakal County, northern part of the capital, Juba.

Addressing journalists at the airport, shortly after the departure of the officers, Police Spokesperson, CSP Celestin Twahirwa said that the officers were well trained and well-equipped to counter the mission challenges and effectively execute their duties.

“This is the first Formed Police Unit we are sending to South Sudan and they will be in charge of protection of UN staff, civilians and other establishments,” CSP Twahirwa said.

The maiden contingent was deployed at the request of UN.

The contingent is joining 28 other RNP officers deployed as Individual Police Officers, who act as advisers, mentors and trainers.

Prior to their departure, the officers were on Tuesday September briefed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana  who challenged them to uphold professional values and focus on executing the mandate of their mission effectively.

IGP Gasana highlighted Rwanda’s contribution toward making the world a safer place for all.

The role of FPU includes humanitarian assistance, crowd control, escorting VIPs and protection of civilians.

Rwanda is the fifth largest UN troop and Police contributing country.

RNP

UM– USEKE.RW