A fresh contingent of Rwandan police officers under the RWAPSU1-10 unit, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) James Karasi, has departed Kigali for Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR). Their deployment is part of a crucial peacekeeping mission to ensure security and support stability in the region.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Yahya Kamunuga, head of the Police Peacekeeping Operations Division (PSO), escorted the team to Kigali International Airport on the morning of their departure. CP Kamunuga lauded their commitment and professionalism during mission preparations. Meanwhile, he welcomed back the RWAPSU1-9 unit, which concluded its mission and returned the same evening, led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ildephonse Rutagambwa.
The RWAPSU unit is tasked with safeguarding high-profile figures in the CAR government and United Nations, including the Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Speaker of Parliament, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG), their deputies, and the UNPOL Police Division leader. These critical security roles underscore Rwanda's commitment to international peacekeeping initiatives.
CSP Rutagambwa highlighted the impact of the outgoing team's dual focus on providing security and promoting community welfare. He remarked, “In addition to our primary role of protecting senior officials in CAR and the United Nations, we undertook various initiatives to enhance the well-being of local communities. These included organizing community clean-ups, donating blood voluntarily, offering free medical supplies to vulnerable populations, and improving access to clean water for hygiene activities.”
The RWAPSU unit stationed in Bangui represents one of several Rwandan police contingents in CAR. Other units include RWAFPU-1, also operating in Bangui; RWAFPU-2, stationed in Kaga Bandoro, approximately 300 kilometers from Bangui; and RWAFPU-3, located in Bangassou, about 725 kilometers from the capital.
