The Police Advisor at the UN Department of Peacekeeping Missions, Stephen Feller, has commended Rwandan peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) for their professionalism and commitment in bringing peace and stability to the country.

He delivered the message last Friday during his visit to the Rwanda – Formed Police Unit (RWA-FPU) base in the capital Bangui, where he was received by the contingent commander, ACP Gilbert R. Gumira.

He was accompanied by the Police Commissioner for MINUSCA Luis Miguel Carrilho.

Briefing the Rwandan police contingent, Feller noted that it was a "big honour and pleasure to count Rwanda FPU” among the MINUSCA peacekeeping force, which has "promoted professional conduct and patriotism.’’

"Rwanda is a country that brings expertise to the UN missions not only through excellent skills of the police officers, but also the rich human and cultural values Rwandan women and men possess,” Feller said.

"This peacekeeping task is a challenge and it comes with overcoming obstacles on a daily basis – and I am grateful that Rwandan FPUs work in partnership with the residents to ensure that their mission areas are secure and at peace at all times.”

Rwanda was the first country to deploy a contingent of 140 police officers in September last year under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA).

They have been credited with several initiatives including the introduction of Umuganda (community work) in Bangui, as a homegrown solution to some of the socio-economic challenges the country faces.

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