A contingent of 140 Police officers will tomorrow depart for a one-year tour of duty under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (Minustah).

The contingent, headed by Chief Supt. Freddie Murenzi, includes 17 females. They will replace other 140 officers who successfully completed their one-year mandate in the Caribbean nation and are scheduled to return home on July 4.

 It is under Formed Police Unit (FPU V). It is the fifth FPU rotation since Rwanda National Police (RNP) started deploying in Haiti to support humanitarian activities and establish peace and stability following the 2010 devastating earthquake that wrecked the country causing massive damage and loss of lives.

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, during a pre-deployment briefing at the Force’s headquarters in Kacyiru yesterday, challenged the officers to focus on the mission mandate.

He urged them to keep the Rwandan flag high by observing maximum discipline, professionalism and upholding Rwandan values.

"You are going to Haiti to build on what your colleagues did with integrity and patriotism. You need to maintain that  spirit,” the Police Chief said.

He said Rwanda remains committed to bringing about peace and stability, and sharing best experiences with Police forces in other countries.

The Rwanda National Police, at the request of the UN, is also scheduled to deploy two other contingents to South Sudan and Central African Republic before the end of the year.

The contingent commander, Chief Supt. Murenzi said they will use Rwanda’s success stories in policing to help Haitians.

The Rwandan officers will also support in building the capacity of the Haitian National Police.

The RNP peacekeeping operations started in 2005 and over 2000 Police officers have served in various peacekeeping missions.

Rwanda currently maintains about 600 police officers in eight peacekeeping missions. The missions include Darfur, South Sudan, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Abyei and Haiti.