UN OFFICIAL PRAISES RWANDAN POLICE OFFICERS IN LIBERIA FOR PROFESSIONALISM

1 August - The United Nations deputy envoy to Liberia, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, today lauded Rwandan police officers serving in the UN mission in the West African country for their professionalism and discipline, saying their presence there had strengthened the capacity and skills of the local police.

Speaking at a ceremony to award medals of the UN peacekeeping mission Liberia (UNMIL) to the Rwandan officers, Ms. Mensa-Bonsu, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Rule of Law, said the consolidation of the justice system remained the corner stone for peace and security in Liberia.

“Although some challenges still remain, these challenges are surmountable, and we shall overcome them gradually,” said Ms. Mensa-Bonsu, adding that UNMIL and its national and international partners were committed to strengthening the Liberian police to build public confidence.

“A strong and functioning police force will help to ensure peace and security in Liberia,” she said, praising the Liberian national police for its commitment to transforming itself into an effective and functioning police force, as evidenced by the general and gradual reduction in crime rates in the country.

“We cannot turn the clock back nor can we undo the harm caused, but we have the power to determine the future and to ensure that what happened never happens again,” Ms. Mensa-Bonsu said, referring to Liberia's past years of conflict.