Rwanda National Police officers serving under the United Nations Operation in Ivory Coast in a French acronym ONUCI, have been awarded medals for their outstanding peacekeeping services in the West African nation.

The Rwandan officers are among the 33 peacekeepers decorated by the UN in a ceremony held last week in Bouaké in the eastern part of the country.

The medal parade also coincided with the UN celebrations to mark its 69th anniversary.

There are 41 Rwandan Police peacekeepers serving in Ivory Coast including, Commissioner of Police Vianney Nshimiyimana, who heads the UN Police component.

Aïchatou Mindaoudou, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, who presided over the awarding ceremony, said the medal illustrates their exemplary services in the stabilisation of Ivory Coast.

"You served with dignity, dedication and hard work and it is a pride to the UN,” Mindaoudou stated.

She thanked the officers for their dedicated services to support communities and local security organs.

CP Nshimiyimana also commended the officers for the outstanding discipline, professionalism and urged them to maintain their mission mandate.

The Rwanda contingent commander, Chief Supt Gerald Ntare pledged Rwanda’s continued support toward peace and security in the West African nation.

The mandate of the Rwandan peacekeepers includes humanitarian assistance, fighting gender-based violence and partnering with the local police in community policing.