The United Nations, on Thursday, September 15, decorated 187 Rwandan Police peacekeepers serving in its mission in South Sudan, with service medal in recognition of their contribution to peace and security.

The colourful medal pinning ceremony of the 160 officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (FPU-3) operating in the capital Juba and 27 Individual Police Officers (IPO), was presided over by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Guang Cong.

It was also attended by the UNMISS Police Commissioner, Madam Christine Fossen, Deputy Police Commissioner, Rajender Pal Upadhyaya, heads of other Police and military contributing countries, South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) and the Rwandan community in South Sudan.

Cong thanked the Government of Rwanda for its commitment to the UN missions globally and South Sudan in particular.

"Rwanda is the 4th largest contributor in UN Peacekeeping operations and the first female peacekeeper contributor. It is a great pride. We thank the able leadership under President Paul Kagame," Mr. Cong said.

He added: "During their tour of duty in UNMISS, Rwandan peacekeepers have exhibited a high level of professionalism and their contribution has helped UNMISS to achieve its mandates.

As we join RWAFPU-3 fellow peacekeepers to celebrate this special day away from their loved ones, we should also remember our continuing commitment to bring lasting peace to South Sudan so that the people of this country can look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future... to continue making a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve."

The RWAFPU-3 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Marie Grace Uwimana thanked the leadership of UN Police (UNPOL) and the entire UNMISS family as well as the people of South Sudan for their support, cooperation and guidance.

She further thanked all the decorated officers under her command for their professionalism, commitment, teamwork and hard work during their tour-of-duty.

Since their deployment, the decorated officers have conducted various activities including public order management, static duties, supporting Humanitarian activities, providing security and escort duties; patrols, capacity building of the local police and community policing groups, as well as community development activities, among others.

RWAFPU-3 is a fourth rotation that was deployed in November last year, with 50 percent of them females.

It is mandated to ensure protection of civilians, create conducive conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, monitoring and investigating Human Rights violations as well as supporting the implementation of Revitalized Peace Agreement.