Some 240 Rwandan Police peacekeepers serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were awarded the UN service medals in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice to ensure peace and security while safeguarding civilians.
The decorated officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (RWAFPU-1) are deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile State, where they are largely charged with protection of civilians in camps, who were displaced by conflicts.
The medal pinning ceremony was presided over by Paul Adejoh Ebikwo, Officer In Charge (OIC) Head of Field Office, Malakal. It was also attended by other high profile UN officials, peacekeepers from other contributing countries as well as South Sudan government officials and security organs.
Ebikwo expressed gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers for their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts in executing their mission to protect and support vulnerable populations residing in IDP Camps.
“These medals represent the exceptional professionalism and commitment you have demonstrated in safeguarding peace and security for the people of South Sudan,” Ebikwo said.
He also commended the Government of Rwanda for its visionary leadership and active contribution to global peace and security efforts.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Felly Bahizi Rutagerura, the UNMISS Chief of Operations, also thanked the Rwandan Police peacekeepers for supporting the local communities through various social and development initiatives.
Rwanda started deploying Police peacekeepers in South Sudan in 2015. Currently, there are two Rwandan Formed Police Units; RWAFPU1, based in Malakal in Upper Nile State, and RWAFPU-3, operating in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. (End)