The United Nations Police Officer Course (UNPOC) ended Friday at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District as the regional peace and security body – EASF – continues to develop their capacity in peacekeeping duties. Over 50 Police officers from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) member countries took part in the 6th UNPOC intake which lasted for two weeks. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, while speaking at the closing of the course, said that “Rwanda has a firm belief that peace and security are a stable foundation for stable communities and sustainable development.” “By hosting this course and other regional peacekeeping course, Rwanda reaffirms its broader commitment to regional and global peace and security,” DIGP Marizamunda said. Rwanda has been participating in peacekeeping for the last 14 years and is currently ranked 4th troops and Police contributor to UN peacekeeping. “I have no doubt the training you received equipped you with essential attitudes, skills and knowledge to use in various situations you will handle as AU/UN peacekeepers or when discharging your daily duties back home,” he added. “AS EASF, we are committed to ensuring that our pledged capabilities are on standby and ready for deployment at any one time… we shall be conducting more UNPOC courses next year. So far, our target is to train at least 720 IPOs (Individual Police Officers),” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dinah Kyasimire, the head of EASF Police component One of the participants, Sgt. Robin Alex from Seychelles, said: “The training was beneficial; it gave us hands-on experience in human rights, protection of civilians, respect for diversity, women, peace and security; negotiation and mediation, among others.” The course orgainised by EASF is meant to prepare participants for future AU/UN peacekeeping roles and was in line with the regional organisation’s mission to maintain and sustain a fully operational and integrated standby force ready for peace support operations in the Eastern Africa and across the continent. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
