Fallen RNP female peacekeepers laid to rest

The two Rwanda National Police (RNP) female peacekeepers, who were killed in December last year while in line of duty in Haiti, have been given a heroes send-off in separate sorrowful ceremonies at Rusororo Cemetery.

Their bodies were flown home separately.

Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Lillian Mukansonera and Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Aimee Nyiramudakemwa, who were serving as Individual Police Officers (IPOs) under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), were shot and killed at their residence in Cap Haitien by unidentified assailants on December 29.

AIP Nyiramudakemwa’s body was flown home on January 24 and laid to rest on January 27 while AIP Mukansonera’s body was flown back home on January 30 and given the last post on Tuesday.

Both separate sorrowful send-off occasions were attended by the Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana and DIGPs Dan Munyuza of Operations and Juvenal Marizamunda of Administration and Personnel, among others, in presence of bereaved families and friends.

Minister Harerimana, while paying the last respects at the last post of AIP Mukansonera, yesterday, described her as a “highly disciplined and professional officer, who was never heard in any malpractice.”

While comforting the bereaved family in these trying moments, the Minister said: “AIP Mukansonera has left this life for another life with respect and love from Rwanda National Police and the officers she has worked with, as an officer of good character, who never appeared in any disciplinary books, a reason why she was selected together with others, to represent the country in UN mission in Haiti.”

Family members and friends described her as a dedicated, patriotic and God-fearing woman, who also demonstrated her faith to God in different capacities.

Both families of the fallen officers thanked Rwanda National Police for the help rendered since the sadden news broke-out.

AIP Mukansonera is survived by two children and AIP Nyiramudakemwa is survived by one child.

Minister Harerimana said that the fallen officers “were killed” and investigations were still underway, in partnership with the UN and the Haitian government.

He pledged the country’s continued support and assured the bereaved families that “justice will be served.”

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