Inspector General (IG) of Police Richard Luhanga has implored 20 Malawi Police Service officers deployed to South Sudan on a United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission to uphold professionalism and protect the country’s reputation.
The officers are scheduled to leave today to support efforts to restore peace in the conflict-hit East African country.
In his remarks during their sending-off ceremony, the IG said although they will be serving in their individual capacities, their conduct will have a bearing on the country’s image internationally.
He urged them to maintain discipline and uphold the country’s values, assuring them that the MPS would continue monitoring their welfare, safety and health throughout the mission.
“We want them to come back as better police officers and share the policing ideas they learn so that the lessons can also be applied here in Malawi,” said Luhanga.
The IG, who has himself previously served on similar missions, cited the Malawi Police’s track record in international peacekeeping missions, highlighting that Malawian officers have earned recognition for their professionalism, with some serving in senior positions at the UN headquarters in New York and other missions.
“I have served in these missions, so I speak from experience. We have very good police officers who have performed professionally at the international level,” he said.
One of the officers, Charles Nandolo of Zomba Police Station, said the team had undergone training and induction to prepare for the deployment.
He said the officers were ready to represent both the police service and the country.
“We are going not just as individuals, but as ambassadors of the organisation and the nation at large,” said Nandolo.
The contingent comprises 16 male and four female officers.
The UN maintains a peace mission in South Sudan to address ongoing civil conflict, protect vulnerable populations and support the country’s fragile transition following its independence in July 2011.
