120 Police officers leave for Haiti

KIGALI - A contingent of 120 Police officers, Monday morning, left for a peace keeping mission to Haiti. The officers are joining an advance party of 40 who left last month. This is the first time Rwanda has sent a Formed Police Unit (FPU) to any peace keeping mission. They will be serving under the mandate of United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). According to the Police spokesperson, Superintendent Theos Badege, the Formed Police Unit will perform various peace keeping duties. “They will maintain order, conduct patrols, guard VIP and key installations, provide humanitarian assistance and security of Internally Displaced Persons among other duties,” Badege said. The FPU equipped with light weapons and armored vehicles will be deployed in Jérémie Town, south of Haiti. The contingent is led by Chief Superintendent, Egide Ruzigamanzi. Emmanuel Gasana, the Inspector General of Police, reminded the contingent that they are the ambassadors and pride of their country. “You are renowned for your professionalism. I urge you to maintain an exemplary level of discipline and commitment throughout the twelve months of your stay in Haiti,” Gasana told the officers before they departed.In addition to the FPU, there are 34 Police advisors currently serving in Haiti. Rwanda National Police currently has 374peacekeeping officers serving in UN missions in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Chad and Haiti. “Rwanda is one of the Police contributing countries selected by United Nations to bring peace to the world. This is due to its professional and disciplined security organs and willingness to contribute to stability,” Gasana said. The Rwandan National Police is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and contribute to peace around the World. Ends