The Commander of the Joint Task Force in Central African Republic (CAR), Brig. Gen. Moumouni Zankaro has expressed his appreciation to Rwandan Police peacekeepers for their unwavering commitment and professionalism exhibited in ensuring security during the celebrations to mark CAR’s ‘National Day.’

Central African Republic marks its National Day every December 1 in an event that draws nationals from across the country to join their leaders in celebrating their country.

The Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU) serving under the auspice of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) was tasked to secure this year’s celebrations during preparations, the D-Day, and the post event activities, which ended incident free.

In his congratulatory message, Gen. Zankaro said: "Successes like these don’t just happen but they are a result of planning, practice, hard work and sacrifice on the part of the unit Commander together with every member of the team.”

"I applaud the hard work, courage, sacrifice and determination demonstrated by RWA-FPU1 which led to very successful and incident-free National Day celebrations,” Gen Zankaro wrote in his message to the Unit.

Rwanda maintains about 450 police peacekeepers in CAR with 420 organised in three equal contingents – two Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU).