The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has started the rotation of its Formed Police Unit-One (RWAFPU-1) serving in South Sudan.
The RNP reported that on April 17, a cohort of 80 officers who are part of the RWAFPU-1 contingent of 240 officers under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), left Kigali International Airport for the one-year tour of duty. The rotation will be conducted in three phases.
The batch left with the contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prudence Ngendahimana.
Rwanda FPU-1 operates in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
This is the seventh rotation of RWAFPU-1 since its maiden deployment in 2015.
Rwanda FPU-1 has the major responsibility to ensure the security of South Sudanese, who fled the violent conflicts and are currently in the Protection of Civilian (PoC) camp in Malakal.
Other duties include patrols, escort duties as well as supporting the UN Police capacity development in South Sudan.
Prior to the deployment, the officers were on Saturday, April 16, briefed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, who urged them to be defined by teamwork, respect, discipline, and professionalism.
Another batch of 80 officers also returned to Rwanda on Sunday evening under the command of Superintendent of Police (SP) Prosper Nshimiyimana after completing their tour of duty.