Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), on Friday, March 1, rolled out community development activities dubbed "Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024" to support the national socio-economic development agenda.

The COP Rwanda 2024 human security activities are held under the theme: "30 years of Liberation: Defence and Security Organs with the Community partnering for Rwanda's Development."

In Burera District, Kagogo Sector, Nyarubuye Cell, the Deputy Inspector General of Police DIGP in charge of Administration and Personnel DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza laid a foundation stone for the construction of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre and handed over a cheque of Frw5 million to support a local cooperative of Agents of Change composed of rehabilitated drug addicts.

In the next three months, RNP, RDF and partners will engage in improving the socio-economic well-being of the Rwandans, including construction of houses for the disadvantaged families, connecting houses that are far from the national grid with solar energy, and constructing Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.

They will also construct bridges linking communities, extend clean water closer to the people, conduct medical outreach activities, donate livestock to families, donate boats to fishing and water transport cooperatives, give financial support to cooperatives Agents of Change composed of rehabilitated drug addicts, planting trees and constructing terraces to fight soil erosion, as well as security and hygiene awareness.

In Musanze District, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda officiated at the launch of COP Rwanda 2024 with the construction of two bridges connecting communities in Musanze and Nyange sectors.

Senior government, defence and security officials presided the launch of the COP24 in all provinces and City of Kigali where residents were commended for their trust and partnership in maintaining the security of the country as a pillar for development.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Mubarakh Muganga joined hundreds of residents in Ngoma District, where he launched a clean water project.

Since 2010, Rwanda National Police engaged in community development activities known as Police Month.

In 2022, RNP injected about Frw2.5 billion to support community development projects. Community development initiatives worth over Frw1 billion were also handed over to beneficiaries in 2021.

The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana launched the COP Rwanda 2024 activities in Gisagara District, Ndora Sector, Bweya Cell, Gatobotobo Village, including the construction and renovation of houses for the disadvantaged families.

The RDF has also conducted the annual Army Week since 2009 to contribute to community development.

The Citizen Outreach Programme is in line with the RDF and RNP constitutional mandate to contribute to Rwanda's socio-economic transformation.

The Minister in charge of Emergency Management, Maj. Gen (rtd) Albert Murasira launched the community development activities in Rutsiro District, Boneza Sector where he laid a foundation stone for the construction of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and a bridge.

In Bugesera District, the launch of COP Rwanda 2024 activities was presided over by the Governor of Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa alongside other officials.