A team of three experts from the United Nations, yesterday, completed a week-long Assessment of Operational Capabilities (AOC) of three contingents of 420 Police officers set to be deployed for peacekeeping duties in Central African Republic (CAR).

 Two Formed Police Units (FPUs) and a Protection Support Unit (PSU) have been undergoing a three-month peacekeeping training at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District.

During the weeklong operational readiness assessment, the experts looked at the language proficiency on command elements, public order management, including escort duties, protection of civilians, force capabilities including patrols and shooting, and driving skills.

The UN FPAT included Tarek Bouteraa of Tunisia, the team leader and FPU operations coordinator in MINUSCA, Daniel Nkoa of Cameroon and Nazareth De Carvalho Figueira Jose Ricardo of Portugal, the instructor and supporting expert, respectively, under MINUSCA.

In a statement shortly after the assessment, the experts said: "Let us show you [Rwanda] our warm congratulations to the quality of your Police units, the discipline and professionalism through the mastery of shooting, driving, tactical exercises and long experience of the coaching Team.”

The experts added: "We note with great satisfaction that your units are ready to be deployed to the MINUSCA under United Nations auspices.”

They are set to replace the same number currently in their final phase of their mandate under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA).

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