{Rwanda National Police officers serving under the United Nations Operation in Ivory Coast in a French acronym ONUCI, have been awarded medals for their outstanding peacekeeping services in the West African Nation.}
The Rwandan officers are among the 33 peacekeepers decorated by the UN in a ceremony held on October 24 in Bouaké in the eastern part of the country. The medal parade also coincided with the UN cerebrations to mark its 69th anniversary.
There are 41 RNP peacekeepers serving in Ivory Coast including a Rwandan, Commissioner of Police Vianney Nshimiyimana, who heads the UN Police component.
Aïchatou Mindaoudou, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, who presided over the medal awarding ceremony, said the medal illustrates their exemplary services in the stabilization of Ivory Coast.
“You served with dignity, dedication and hard work and it is a pride to the UN,” Mindaoudou stated.
She thanked them for their dedicated services to support communities and local security organs.
CP Nshimiyimana also commended the officers for the outstanding discipline and professionalism and urged them to continue focusing on their mission mandate.
The Rwanda contingent commander, Chief Supt Gerald Ntare pledged Rwanda’s continued support towards peace and security in the West African nation.
The mandate of the Rwandan peacekeepers includes humanitarian assistance, fighting gender-based violence and partnering with the local police in community policing.
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