Rwanda National Police

Military, police and prison officers that took part in the ‘Africa UNiTE Command Post Exercise (CPX II)’ resolved that awareness against gender based violence and support of victims be emphasized and increased in African countries as part of the holistic approach to combat the scourge that continue to paralyze communities.

These are among the resolutions adopted on August 19 at the end of the three-day exercise that brought together 103 participants from 30 African countries to share ideas and experience in ending violence perpetuated against women and girls.

Participants also agreed that focal points representing security and defence forces be appointed in member countries for easy and quick communication; share ideal practices and initiatives to fight gender violence through the secretariat in Kigali, and emphasise the role of correctional services especially the penitential process so that the offenders are counseled before they are reintegrated back in the society.

The second edition of exercise was held under the theme: “Africa Security Organs’ Synergy to End Violence against Women and Girls.”

It was designed to impact the ideas of ending violence against women and girls both at home and during peacekeeping operations.

Rwanda’s Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, who officiated at the closing of Africa UNiTE II, observed that when military, Police and Correctional officers come together in a similar setting, “chances of obtaining sustainable solutions to this scourge are even greater.”

“Rwanda has the will and ability to end challenges women and girls face,” Minister Harerimana said.

“The experience gained and recommendations adopted should go further to guide you in effectively preventing and holistically responding to issues women and girls face. This way, you will be contributing greatly to the preservation of fundamental human rights and ensuring long term peace and stability, which are critical to ingredients of development,” he added.

One of the participants, Florence Omundi from Kenya Prison services, said: “Prisons also play a key role in addressing issues of GBV, especially rehabilitating the offenders. If you unite all the links of security organs and judicial systems, that way you will be very sure of a successful response,” Omundi said.

Her Ugandan counterpart, Frank Baine believes expanding the collaboration to also include departments of public prosecution and judicially in such exercises, will link all the services required for a holistic approach to end violence against women and girls.

“Correctional services were previously not involved in these activities because of the perception that apprehending a criminal was good enough. Over time, it has been proven that if correctional services are not involved such programmes that are geared to have a peaceful society, then the problem is not solved,” Baine said.

“Prisons have special training on handling different categories including women, children and juveniles. We are bringing in a rich experience on human handling, and also true that we are part and parcel of the justice system. Having no prisons in this campaign would be a missing link,” he added.

This second edition followed the maiden exercise also held in Rwanda in 2013 and brought together 172 participants from 33 African countries.

CPX is  effectively aligned with  main objectives the Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD) on the “Role of Security Organs in Ending Violence against Women and Girls,” which started in 2010 in Rwanda.

It is currently composed of 42 African countries.