Rwandan Police peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA), were decorated with the Service Medal for their dedicated service and sacrifice to international peace.
The medal pinning ceremony for 180 officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU 3-2) deployed in Bangassou, was presided over by the UN Police Sector Commander East, Abigail Unaeze.
It was also attended by the CAR Governor-East, Victor Bissekoin, force commander in eastern region, Innocent Masse Noudjoutar, local grassroots leaders and peacekeepers from other contributing countries.
Madam Unaeze thanked the decorated officers for their professionalism and serving with pride and courage.
“These eleven months spent within MINUSCA were certainly intense for you, but we celebrate your sacrifice in overcoming the mission challenges to bring about peace and stability in this country,” Unaeze said.
She added: “I will not ignore your many community and humanitarian actions for the benefit of the population such as blood donation, medicine aid, water distribution to the vulnerable population; these define the mandate of protection of civilians.”
The RWAFPU3-2 Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, thanked MINUSCA, CAR leadership, local leaders, Bangassou residents as well as other peacekeepers for the support and partnership in accomplishing the mandate.
He also thanked the officers under his command for the discipline and commitment to international service since their deployment in November 2023.
Rwanda maintains four Police contingents under MINUSCA; three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU).
Rwanda FPU-1 and PSU operate in the capital Bangui while FPU-2 and FPU-3 are deployed in Kaga-Bandoro and Bangassou, respectively.
The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others. (End).