The acting Police Commissioner of the United Nations Multidimensional Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Gen. Roland Zamora, has appealed to the two Rwandan police contingents recently deployed in CAR to maintain the legacy set by their predecessors.

Gen. Zamora made the remarks on Sunday while welcoming the 280 officers under Rwanda Formed Police Unit Two (RWAFPU2) and Protection Support Unit Two (PSU2), who replaced the same number about a fortnight ago.

He was received at the base camp by the PSU contingent commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Barthelemy Rugwizangoga.

While praising the role, values and professionalism of the Rwandan police and military peacekeepers in restoring relative calm, peace and security in CAR, the acting Police Commissioner noted that such efforts give "MINUSCA a winning face” and demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to international peace.

"This is a country that has experienced and is still experiencing conflict, you need to remain on alert to protect the people of Central African Republic and yourselves as well; you should understand and well interpret the mission mandate and the terrain of your operations,” Gen. Zamora told the peacekeepers.

He noted that one of the challenges MINUSCA has had to deal with include the inappropriate behaviour of some peacekeepers who have been implicated in sexual related crimes, but singled the Rwandan peacekeepers for staying true to the mission and steering clear of such malpractices, and setting a precedent.

"You are here for a purpose; the people of CAR, the UN as well as your country expect a lot from you, those you replaced set a good example that we expect you to build on for the benefit of the people of CAR,” he noted.

ACP Rugwizangoga expressed the contigents’ commitment to their mandate, adding that staying focused to the mission, and upholding discipline and teamwork were central to their mandate.

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