Police peacekeepers argued to scale up UN credibility

The Police Commissioner for the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Louis Carrilho has argued Rwandan Police peacekeepers in CAR to stay to the mark left by their colleagues who were there before, and scale up the UN credibility.

Commissioner Carrilho made the remarks on November 14, as he presided over the closing of a four-day induction course for the Rwandan police Protection Support Unit (PSU) composed of 140 officers.

“Your predecessors had a good record, I consider this as a great achievement during the period they have been serving in MINUSCA, today is your turn to keep up and defend the UN credibility by observing the core values of UN which are integrity, professionalism and respect of diversity” Carrilho said.

The mandate of the PSU contingent, the first of its kind to be deployed in any mission that includes protecting high level officials and key installations, among others

During their induction course, the officers covered areas like, the general situation in CAR, hostage survive skills, sexual exploitation and abuse, MINUSCA mandate, civilian protection, human rights, directives of use of force, stress management and child protection.

In his address to the officers, Commissioner Carrilho reiterated that MINUSCA has various tasks including civilians protection, promotion of national and international justice, re-establishment of local government authority, reform the security sectors, prevent illicit exploitation of natural resources and promotion of human rights.

“‎The committed contribution of everyone is therefore highly needed to bring positive change in security sector in this country.” he noted.

“Discipline is the cornerstone for a successful achievement,” he said.

The PSU contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benoit S. Kayijuka, commended the good will and initiative of MINUSCA for the induction training.

He assured that skills gained in the course will be a guiding tool for all activities that they will be performing during all period of the mission and will enable the Unit to achieve its mandate.

Rwanda maintains three police contingents in CAR composed of 140 police officers, each.