Kigali: Rwandan Police peacekeepers continue to carry out their mandated tasks despite the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Their peacekeeping duties are implemented in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on COVID-19 Prevention.
In South Sudan, the commander for the Rwanda Police peacekeepers, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Claude Tembo, said that they put in place preventive measures for COVID-19, which have helped officers fulfill their tasks as well as being strong and healthy.
“There is an existing Internal COVID- 19 Contingency plan, which has been explained to members of Rwandan Police peacekeepers for compliance,” said ACP Tembo.
“Rwanda Formed Police Units medical staff have increased awareness trainings to Police Officers on signs and symptoms of the virus, transmissions and its prevention and practical sessions on hand washing techniques,” he added.
Hand washing stations have been established in all camps and many others on static duty posts and Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) including face-masks, distributed to all Police officers
“Isolation rooms with beds were established and screening of police officers on COVID-19 symptoms is conducted daily. The units have put in place restriction on movements and only allowing official visits in the camp with displayed internal rules and regulations for COVID-19 Prevention,” said the contingent commander.
Rwanda maintains three Formed Police Units (FPUs) under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as well as Individual Police Officers (IPOs).
Three other contingents are deployed under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). (End)