The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Felix Namuhoranye, on Thursday, May 19, challenged Police officers set to be deployed in Central African Republic (CAR) to be selfless, remain firm, focused and professional throughout their one year peacekeeping duty.

The briefed contingent constitute Rwanda Protection Support Unit-Seven (RWAPSU-7) of 140 officers, which will be deployed this Friday to replace RWAPSU-6 under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA).

The RWAPSU-7 headed by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Vincent B. Habintwari will replace RWAPSU-6 under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Innocent Rutagarama Kanyamihigo.

"You are leaving here with high morale; it should continue to define you throughout the tour-of-duty. Always be ready as a well trained and disciplined unit," DIGP Namuhoranye told the officers.

In the midst of challenges, either in the mission area or back home in their respective families, he urged them to stand firm and to approach it professionally with the head high. 

"You are going as ambassadors to contribute to peace and security in CAR. Keep the image up high. Rwandan image in peacekeeping cannot be compromised," the Deputy Police Chief said.

He noted that discipline or indiscipline is a personal choice, but added that the latter is a redline. 

"Give value to the duty you are deployed to do, always be where you re supposed to be in the right time and do what you are required to do.

You have a big task to ensure the protection of top government and UN officials. Your presence should make those under your protection feel safe and secure, and this is defined by your seriously, confidence, and readiness at all times."

Rwanda Protection Support Unit is mainly charged with close protection of the President of CAR National Assembly, Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and the two deputies, and MINUSCA Police Commissioner.

"Rwanda is safe and people in Rwanda are safe. This is the same spirit you are deployed to bring about in CAR for the people safe with you."

He urged them to support and advise each other, be responsive to observe certain character that can affect the image of the unit, avoid rumours and loose talk and to refrain from any temptations such as drunkenness.

Teamwork, DIGP Namuhoranye said, is an important factor towards a successful mission. He reminded them to respect diversity, make individual and collective commitment towards a successful tour-of-duty.