One hundred and seventy Rwandan police keepers in Darfur have received United Nations Service Medals.The medals were awarded last Sunday by Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba, the Deputy Joint Special Representative for Political Affairs (DJSR) of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (Unamid).The event, held at Super Camp El- Fasher, was attended by Hester Paneras, Unamid Police Commissioner, Elijah Karambizi, Deputy Director of Mission Support (D/DMS) and other dignitaries."Today as we join you in recognition of your valuable contribution to the implementation of the Unamid mandate, you can take pride in the fact that you have represented your country well and you have served the African Union and United Nations with honour and selfless sacrifice in Darfur which is in need of peace, reconstruction and development,” Ambassador Mutaboba said at the event.On her part, Paneras commended the officers for their ‘exemplary hard work and discipline’  and urged them to continue pursuing the cause of peace in Darfur.She appealed to female police advisors to help internally displaced women subjected to sexual and domestic abuse.ACP Elias Mwesigye, the Rwandan contingent Commander, congratulated the medalists and asked for a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives while serving in Darfur.The officers joined the mission in June and October 2012. Rwanda, he said, is now leading other countries in having a big number of female police officers in Darfur."This number is a great contribution to peace attainment for Darfur. The awards are a proof that Rwandan contingents accomplish their duties and responsibilities,” he said.He congratulated the officers and urged them to maintain discipline.