The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, last week visited the Rwandan Police peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR).

During the visit, he urged the peacekeepers to remain focused on their mission mandate.

DIGP Marizamunda, who was part of the Rwandan delegation that was in CAR to attend the inauguration of the newly elected president, visited the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and Protection and Support Unit (PSU) camps, both based in the capital Bangui.

He was received by the commander of the Rwandan Police peacekeepers in CAR, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gilbert R. Gumira.

Rwanda maintains three contingents serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) – two FPUs and one PSU – each composed of 140 police officers.

The FPU specialises in public order management like crowd control, facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance, escort duties and protection of UN facilities, while the PSU undertakes special duties such as protection for VIPs, among others.

Until recently, the PSU headed by Chief Supt. Benoit Kayijuka, was responsible for the security of the new president, Faustin Archange Touadera, a role they assumed since January 8, when CAR presidential elections went into a run-off.

The Rwanda Defence Force peacekeepers (Rwanbatt3) in CAR later took over the president’s security after he was sworn.

The Rwanbatt3 also remained in charge of providing security to the former interim president, Catherine Samba Panza.

"Rwanda and Rwanda National Police in particular recognise the great peacekeeping work you do for the good of the people of CAR. We can only tell you to aim higher,” DIGP Marizamunda said while briefing the officers.

He assured them of RNP full support to facilitate them to accomplish their mission mandate.

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