A contingent of 140 Rwandan police officers returned home on Tuesday evening, June 10, after successfully completing a year-long peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The officers, part of the RWAPSU1-9 unit, were deployed to the Central African Republic (CAR) to provide security for high-level government and UN officials. Their mission included protecting key figures such as the Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, President of Parliament, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG), along with senior United Nations Police (UNPOL) leadership.
The returning officers were welcomed back by senior officials including Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ildephonse Rutagambwa, who led the mission. As they arrived in Kigali, a new contingent — RWAPSU1-10 — led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) James Karasi, was departing for Bangui to continue Rwanda’s contribution to international peace and stability.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Yahya Kamunuga, who heads the Rwanda National Police’s Peace Support Operations (PSO), saw off the new team at Kigali International Airport. He commended the outgoing officers for their dedication, professionalism, and discipline throughout their service.
Beyond their core mandate of protecting high-profile individuals, the RWAPSU1-9 team also engaged in community outreach initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of local populations. These included participating in Umuganda (community work), donating blood, distributing free medication to vulnerable groups, and providing clean water for hygiene and sanitation.
“Our mission went beyond providing security,” said CSP Rutagambwa. “We were deeply committed to supporting local communities through meaningful social impact projects.”
Rwanda continues to be a key contributor to UN peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic. In addition to the RWAPSU unit stationed in Bangui, three other Rwandan police units are deployed in various parts of the country: RWAFPU-1 in Bangui, RWAFPU-2 in Kaga Bandoro (over 300 km from the capital), and RWAFPU-3 in Bangassou, located approximately 725 km from Bangui.
With its ongoing deployments, Rwanda remains steadfast in its commitment to global peace, stability, and humanitarian service.
