A total of 185 Rwandan police officers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been awarded service medals in recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to peacekeeping duties.
The medal ceremony took place on Saturday, December 6, in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, marking 11 months of continuous service by the Rwandan contingent in protecting civilians and supporting peace and stability in the country.
The event was presided over by Mussa Gasama, Head of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) in South Sudan, who praised the Rwandan officers for their outstanding contribution to civilian protection and cooperation with South Sudanese security institutions.
“These medals are a symbol of appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by each of you. Your collective efforts have significantly contributed to the protection of civilians and the strengthening of peace and security in South Sudan,” Gasama said.
He emphasized that the medals are not only a reward for work already accomplished but also a lasting reminder that should motivate the officers to maintain high standards of performance in future peacekeeping missions.
The Rwandan police contingent in South Sudan is led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Corneille Murigo, who expressed gratitude to the United Nations and its partners for the continuous support that enables the officers to effectively fulfill their mandate.
ACP Murigo commended the officers for their discipline, professionalism, and resilience, noting that despite various challenges, they have remained focused on protecting civilians and upholding human rights.
The officers belong to the RWAFPU3-7 contingent, a unit composed largely of female police officers, and is commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Donatha Nyinawumuntu. The unit has been particularly recognized for its role in security operations, community engagement, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Out of the 185 officers, 95 are women and 90 are men, forming one of the two Rwandan police contingents deployed in South Sudan, alongside Individual Police Officers (IPOs) serving in specialized roles.
In his closing remarks, ACP Murigo thanked UNMISS leadership, fellow peacekeeping forces, and the local population for their cooperation, which he described as essential to the successful implementation of peacekeeping operations.
Rwanda continues to be recognized globally for its strong contribution to international peacekeeping efforts, with its police and military personnel serving in various United Nations missions across conflict-affected regions.
Post Comment