JUBA - Formed Police Units are peacekeeping teams that have special training to operate in high-risk environments, such as conflict-affected South Sudan.
Across the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, around 850 personnel serve as members of these units. Just 224 are women officers, equating to a ratio of 26 percent female compared to 74 percent male.
It is a very different story in the Rwandan Formed Police Unit where the unit is commanded by a senior female officer and women dominate overall, holding 53 percent or 85 of the 160 positions.
"This is not a number. It is a powerful message to the world that women are leaders, protectors and pioneers in peacekeeping,” said Rwandan Assistant Commissioner of Police, Corneille Murigo, at the medal parade.
“In addition to protection of civilians, UN personnel and assets, the Unit has actively engaged in outreach activities with communities and worked closely with the South Sudan National Police Service in different aspects of policing.”
The 160-strong unit along with another 26 Individual Police Officers from Rwanda were awarded the United Nations Medal of Honor for their service and sacrifice.
“They are being decorated in recognition of their noble contribution to the United Nations, to the international community, as peacekeepers, and UNMISS, in particular for their efforts in bringing peace to our brothers and sisters in South Sudan,” explained FPU Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police, Donatha Nyinawumuntu.
Throughout their service, the Rwandan officers have helped to protect civilians through independent and joint patrols, co-located with and trained national counterparts to build their capacity, conducted community policing activities, engaged constantly with communities, and provided a Quick Reaction Force to respond to immediate threats.
"They mentor and train the South Sudan National Police, helping to build an institution that will endure. They promote respect for the rule of law and human rights, ensuring that peace is not only transforming the conflict to peace but also justice,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Corneille Murigo.
“They also help communities and security actors to talk to each other, creating understanding where there was mistrust. These efforts are breeding the foundations for a peaceful future in South Sudan.”
UNMISS leaders acknowledged the persistence and perseverance of the officers amidst a deteriorating security situation.
"In their daily operations, they have worked tirelessly for the protection of civilians in South Sudan, here in Juba and across all mandated tasks. Despite the challenges encountered, they were never discouraged, instead they faced those challenges with resilience and overcame them,” explained UNMISS Police Commissioner, Meinolf Schlotmann.
“Your actions inspire confidence. Your efforts are seen, valued and celebrated.”
Rwanda is the second largest contributor of troops and police to United Nations Peacekeeping, which demonstrates its significant commitment to peace and security globally as well as in South Sudan.
"Rwanda’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping globally is nothing short of exemplary,” said UNMISS senior representative, Musa Gassama. “The police component in UNMISS plays a critical role in implementing the mission’s mandate from protection of civilians to strengthening the justice chain and upholding rule and law to building trust between communities and law enforcement and addressing intra-and-intercommunal conflicts and crimes.”
The medal ceremony is a bittersweet moment for the police officers who have spent the past 12 months protecting and supporting the most vulnerable. After forming strong bonds with those they serve as well as United Nations colleagues, it is difficult to depart when there is still much to be done to secure sustainable peace.
“As we prepare to return home, let us continue to uphold the core values of Rwanda and the Rwandan national police, values that define who we are and who we serve. Our families and fellow countrymen will be grateful and proud of what we have achieved here,” sums up Senior Superintendent, Donatha Nyinawumuntu.
--
By Francesca Mold
