Rwanda National Police, yesterday, deployed a Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent of 140 officers for a one-year peacekeeping duty in Haiti.

It's the 9th rotational exercise since 2010 when Rwanda deployed its maiden FPU contingent in the Caribbean nation in response to the catastrophic earthquake that killed over 100,000 people and displaced over three million others.

It was also Rwanda's first FPU deployment in any mission.

RWAFPU9 is headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Révérien Rugwizangoga as its contingent commander. It replaces the same number under RWAFPU8 under the command of ACP Yahaya Kamunuga set to return home aboard the same airline.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Dan Munyuza, during the pre-deployment briefing, emphasised on "professional conduct."

"You represent the leadership and the people of Rwanda," he said, calling for "teamwork" in responding to any challenges that might arise.

"Your mission is to protect people, especially civilians; they expect to be safe under your protection and they should feel that this is guaranteed," he said.

DIGP Munyuza also urged them to work in unison with other peacekeepers, local authorities and the people.

ACP Rugwizangoga said: "We were well trained, prepared, equipped and we received guidance of RNP leadership; we are now ready to face any challenges ahead."

He added: "It's an international duty we hold with high esteem, respect and well knowing that discipline, respect and team spirit are key to our success and to uphold our national values."

The UN Security Council, in April last year, extended the UN mandate in Haiti under a new entity – UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH).

Under the new mandate, the new UN body mainly supports the Government of Haiti in strengthening rule-of-law institutions, further develop and support the Haitian National Police and engage in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis.

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