The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, yesterday hailed police peacekeepers for exhibiting discipline and professionalism which has made Rwanda a world model.

IGP Gasana made the remarks as he briefed a contingent of 160 peacekeepers set to depart for United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah). The officers, under Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU VI), include 25 females.

The officers are expected to begin rotation on July 6.

RWAFPU VI, which is headed by Commissioner of Police Joseph Mugisha, is replacing RWAFPU V, headed by CP Bruce Munyambo. RWAFPU V is returning home with a record or exceptional performance and UN medals for their professional services in the Caribbean nation.

During the pre-deployment briefing at the Rwanda National Police headquarters in Kacyiru, Kigali, IGP Gasana told the officers to be professional in the execution of their work.

"You will be working alongside other countries. Focus on executing your mission and uphold Rwandan values and spirit,” the Police Chief said.

He told the officers that the way they execute the peacekeeping mission reflects the image of Rwanda on the international arena, adding that Rwanda National Police has a reputation of a force integrity, professionalism and discipline that must be maintained.

"You should keep in mind our core values. Our brand is service, protection and integrity, and our responsibility is to serve Rwandans and the world,” he said.

The mandate of Rwanda police officers in Haiti is to support humanitarian activities, peace-building and to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police.

According to the contingent commander, CP Mugisha, the contingent is set for deployment and its preparedness has been confirmed by the UN inspectors.

"We underwent a detailed deployment course and between June 8 and June 12, a team of UN inspectors were at Police Training School in Gishari assessing our preparedness for the mission and they indeed approved us,” Mugisha said.

Rwanda maintains close to 700 officers in seven peacekeeping missions around the world.

Under RWAFPU, peacekeepers are deployed in Haiti, and Central African Republic while Individual Police Officers (IPOs) are deployed in Darfur, South Sudan, in Abyei (a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan that is under UN protection), Ivory Coast and Liberia.

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