UN officials currently in the country to inspect the readiness of the first ever Rwanda National Police (RNP) Specialised Support Unit (PSU) set to be deployed in Central African Republic, have commended the skills of the contingent currently training at the Peace Support Pre-deployment Training Centre in Gishari, Rwamagana District.

The UN team inspected the contingent on Thursday, which conducted various demonstrations such as VIP escorting and protection, weapon assembling, dissembling and shooting.

Victor Hernandez, one of the UN officials, lauded the overall skills by the contingent.

"I am impressed by the skills in areas of weapon assembling and shooting,” said Hernandez.

‘‘The skills demonstrated by these officers illustrate how much RNP has invested in capacity building of its personnel. Training is a cornerstone not only to the police force but also to other institutions and this is why the UN keeps demanding more officers from Rwanda,’’ he added.

He further commended Rwanda’s commitment and efforts in restoring peace and security in the region and beyond, through its peacekeepers, whenever it’s been requested to provide them.

The maiden PSU contingent to be deployed in CAR will be composed of 140 officers, who include 13 women.

The force will undertake special duties such as close protection for VIPs, escort duties as well as the protection of key installations.

Currently, Rwanda maintains over 600 Police officers in UN peacekeeping missions. The officers are deployed in six countries namely Haiti, Mali, Liberia, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, the Sudanese areas of Darfur, Abyei and CAR.

Meanwhile, the top management of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has applauded the commitment and professionalism of the Rwandan Police peacekeepers operating in the Caribbean nation.

The six-man delegation headed by MINUSTAH  Director Mission Support, Divine Wallace visited the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU5) base camp in Jeremie, on Wednesday, where they were received by the Rwandan contingent commander, Commissioner of Police (CP) Bruce Munyambo.

The blue berets leadership in Haiti had visited the Rwandan camp to inspect and make self-confirmation of the Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) operation capabilities.

CP Munyambo, in a presentation, enlightened the delegation on the Rwandan contingent operational capabilities and the force readiness, and the security situation in areas of their operation.

In his remarks, Wallace appreciated the efforts of the Rwandan peacekeepers in ensuring security and peace, and its humanitarian initiatives to support the local communities.

Rwanda FPU has been providing humanitarian assistance to an orphanage centre in Jeremie.

RWAFPU5 was also recently awarded a certificate of Environmental Commitment by MINUSTAH in recognition of its activities in improving the environment in that country.

Rwanda National Police maintains 145 peacekeepers in Haiti.