Rwanda to send 140 peacekeepers to Haiti

KIGALI - A group of Rwanda National Police officers are currently being trained prior to deployment to Haiti, the Central American island that was recently devastated by an earthquake. The development was confirmed recently by police spokesman, Supt Eric Kayiranga, who said that the officers will be selected from 600 officers who are being trained on peace operations. “Those selected will have at least a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, driving license, and experience of five years in the force for men and three years for women,” says Kayiranga. He added that Rwanda wants to be involved in promoting peace in other countries and that if need be, they would send more peacekeepers to other countries. Reacting to claims that the country could be concentrating on promoting security elsewhere while insecurity threats have been reported in Kigali, Kayiranga said there are enough police to maintain security in the country. He said that there should not be cause for alarm, the police were alert and that nothing would sabotage the security of the country. “We are very much aware of the situation in the country, we cannot send our own people out to maintain peace in other countries if we knew that there was no peace in the country,” he said. He added that people should understand that there is no country that can survive on its own. “We need to help other countries so that they can also help us if and when need arises. Sending our forces to help other countries is important for promoting cooperation between Rwanda and these countries,” he said. Ends