The medal ceremony took place on Thursday, May 7, at the RWAFPU 1-10 camp in Malakal, Upper Nile State, where the contingent has been deployed for the past 10 months to support civilian protection and peacekeeping efforts. The contingent is composed of 128 men and 32 women.

The medals were presented by the Head of Field Office in Malakal, Alfred Orono, representing the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG).

Speaking during the ceremony, Orono praised the Rwandan peacekeepers for their professionalism, discipline, and resilience in implementing the UNMISS mandate.

“Your dedication and discipline have significantly contributed to the protection of civilians and the maintenance of peace and security in South Sudan. The United Nations highly appreciates your sacrifice and commitment to duty,” he said.

He also commended the contingent for playing a major role in the successful closure of the Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site, describing it as an important milestone in South Sudan’s peace and stabilization process.

According to UNMISS officials, RWAFPU 1-10 officers carried out a wide range of operational duties during their deployment, including civilian protection patrols, public order management, escort operations, and support to humanitarian activities.

The contingent commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Corneille Murigo, said the medals reflect international recognition of the unit’s contribution to global peacekeeping efforts.

ACP Murigo also encouraged the officers to uphold the values and principles that define the Rwanda National Police and Rwanda as a whole.

“Continue to uphold the core values of our country and Rwanda National Police, which define our identity and commitment to humanity. Our history continues to inspire us to stand against anything that threatens human dignity and security,” he said.

He further thanked UNMISS leadership, the Government and people of South Sudan, and fellow peacekeepers for the cooperation and support that enabled the contingent to effectively accomplish its mission.

Rwanda has been deploying police peacekeepers to South Sudan since 2015 and currently maintains two police contingents of more than 400 personnel serving in Juba and Malakal under the UNMISS peacekeeping mission.