Rwanda Formed Police Unit Two (RWAFPU-2) has officially concluded its peace support operations under the UN Mission in South Sudan after four years of rotational deployment.
The last contingent—RWAFPU2-4—returned home this Friday, June 25, after more than eight months of tour-of-duty in the world’s newest nation. At about 12:30, RWAFPU2-4 of 160 officers headed by its Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Carlos Kabayiza, safely arrived back home.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, the blue berets were received by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Yahaya Kamunuga, Commissioner for Human Resources Management, on behalf of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) leadership.
The contingent, which was operating in the capital Juba, started its peace support operations in 2017 when the first FPU2-1 unit was deployed in South Sudan. It was one of the three Rwandan Police contingents serving under UNMISS. RWAFPU1 of 240 officers—the maiden unit deployed in 2015—operates in Malakal of Upper Nile State—was deployed while the female-dominated RWAFPU-3 of 160 officers operates in the capital Juba.
While addressing the officers upon their arrival, ACP Kamunuga thanked them for their peacekeeping services and for representing their country ably.
“Welcome back home; your country and RNP leadership thank you for being good ambassadors and having to cope with the challenges especially those related to the Coronavirus pandemic while execution your peacekeeping duties,” ACP Kamunuga said.
RWAFPU2-4 contingent commander, CSP Carlos Kabayiza said that they are happy to have contributed to the peace process of South Sudan mainly in providing protection of civilians in sites, which have now been turned into IDP camps.
“During our tour-of-duty, we conducted different mandated operational activities in Juba including supporting humanitarian assistance, providing security and escort to VIPs, static duties in IDP camps, high visibility patrols and community engagement activities. Despite the working conditions of COVID-19, we are happy to have contributed to the Revitalized Peace process of South Sudan and to come back home safely,” he added.
