English
Kinyarwanda
The security status in the country has improved tremendously with crimes reducing by 23.9 percent in the past three months.
The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, said this on March 26 while giving a security status in the country.
This was during an interactive session between Rwanda National Police and the media fraternity in the country held at the force's headquarters in Kacyiru.
The session held quarterly brings together Police and media to discuss on various issued aimed at strengthening cooperation in the crime prevention campaign.
The IGP also said road traffic-related offences decreased by about 13 percent since December last year.
Despite this downward trend, the Police Chief outlined assault, theft, gender violence and drug abuse as some of the major crime cases that were reported.
"The decrease was due to strengthened awareness and partnership with various stake such as public and local government officials and further building the capacity of the force including acquiring more logistical support," IGP Gasana stated.
"There is safety and security in Rwanda and Rwandans should concentrate on their development activities, don’t value rumours and partner in the crime prevention strategy," he added.
The force also signed partnership agreements with all the 30 districts in the country, trained over 100, 000 community policing committees and established Anti-crime clubs in schools to improve security and safety in the country.
Fighting graft in RNP
The Police chief also said the force maintains zero tolerance stance on corruption adding that those caught in this act are dismissed from the force.
He said that the force established an anti-corruption unit, force discipline and works with other institutions like Transparency International and Ombudsman’s office to fight graft in the force and in the country in general.
Grenade attacks
The Police chief also explained that all those responsible for the recent grenade attacks in Musanze District were arrested.
"These are terror acts coordinated by FDRL and the likes of Kayumba Nyamwasa and the group. Anyone involved in these criminal acts will also face the consequences," he said.
He said RNP has strengthened cooperation with other regional and international police forces to combat cross-border crimes and apprehend suspects who flee after committing crimes.
He appealed to the media fraternity to always be fair and balance in their reporting and to strengthen cooperation with RNP to sensitize and educate the public in crime prevention.
He also asked the public to refrain from rumors and report anything that might cause insecurity especially in the Genocide commemoration period.
He also appealed to families residing in areas marked as high risk zones to relocate to the earmarked zones in districts to avoid disasters.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the event be held monthly, journalists be trained in crime reporting and to have a periodic talk-show synchronised on private and public radio stations.
Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) said this partnership between police and the media fraternity is an “indication of good governance and transparency.”
He pledged support in organising these monthly interactions and to cater for the expenses required to have a talk-show aired live on all radio stations.
The meeting was also attended by senior police officers, chairman of Media High Council and heads and representatives of media houses, association of journalists and Rwanda Media Commission.
