First Kibuye Mission Assignment and that Arduous Morning Run

Duties of a United Nations Field Security Officer

As a United Nations (UN) field security officer in Rwanda, included in the job description was to perform close protection and security escorts for senior officials, prosecuting attorneys, defense counsel, witnesses associated with Tribunal operations, and investigators in sometimes, hostile locations, per the UN Security Risk Management policy and UN Security Management System SOPs and guidelines. It is a security officer’s responsibility to prevent or minimize the efforts of an attack intended to cause physical harm or embarrassment to the UN/ICTR.

Benefits of Being Fit as a Security Officer

Maintaining good physical fitness is essential for security professionals.  Your ability to perform the critical security functions are directly affected by your underlying fitness level. For instance, being in good physical health, you will be able to perform more work with less effort, are less likely to suffer an injury during physically demanding activities, and experience faster recovery following physical exertion.  You will also be able to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of those you are called upon to protect.

My first trip to Kibuye

In April 2002, I had my second or third mission assignment to escort an investigation team that included Patrick (Nigerian), Pierre (Canadian), and Jean-Pierre (Rwandan). This mission assignment was my first trip to Kibuye, a beautiful lakeshore town in the western province of mountainous Rwanda. To this day, it is still hard to believe that mobs of militiamen wrongfully killed thousands of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in this very green and picturesque town known for being a beach resort location today.

In addition to Kibuye being picturesque, what I remember most about Kibuye is the expanded tranquil lake Kivu surrounded by verdant hills and valleys full of pine trees and eucalyptus plants, waking up to birds chirping, and the fresh morning air. And that early morning run with the team, that I dared not to try twice on the hilly routes in Kibuye again.

Entertaining Conversations over Fish, Chips, and Matoke

Having basic French language skills, I was somewhat present as the team discussed the day’s accomplishments en Françiase. Conversations later switched to English and I was able to fully follow as the team discussed the next day’s strategic plans. Patrick, famously known for sharing entertaining stories, did not disappoint us that evening. It was an evening full of laughter. As we ate fresh fish from the lake and Rwanda’s famous chips (French fries) and Matoke (green plantain bananas), Pierre invited the team and members of the second investigation team in Kibuye the same, time to join him on his early morning run the next day before we started our appointment-filled day. We all agreed.

Safekeeping my Weapon

In preparation for our run, following UN policy and procedures for safekeeping our weapons, I strapped my holstered Smith & Wesson 9mm securely to my waist. The temperature was perfect for running. I was ready for the run, so I thought.

That Arduous Morning Run

Pierre, a retired Canadian police officer, turned investigator in his 50s and Patrick, put their younger colleagues to shame as they effortlessly ran up and down Rwanda’s winding and steep hills. The route Pierre chose was an arduous one, and the rest of us struggled to keep up. My pride will tell the story that I didn’t stop to catch my breath.  But the realist in me will reveal a different story. I am sure I paused, more than once, most likely. I also remember the internal dialogue I had with myself. “How can a man of his solid build and age outrun me, I asked?”

What I thought would be a routine morning run turned out to be exhaustive and had me questioning my level of fitness. But not my ability to carry out my duties successfully. The hills, the awkwardness of running with a 9mm strapped on my waist, and being out-ran by a 50-something made that morning run challenging and tough to accept. Thinking back to that morning run in Kibuye, I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself. Instead, I should have slowed down my pace, enjoyed the lovely views of Lake Kivu and the natural beauty of the environment, and the peacefulness of the people as they were moving about to start their day. One thing was for sure; I was not joining the team on their morning run the next day.