Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police countrywide awareness campaign to reinforce the ideology of community policing towards sustainable security continued on Wednesday in Kirehe and Musanze districts. 

While speaking to about 1000 residents in Kirehe Sector, Commissioner of Police  (CP) Vianney Nshimiyimana, the Commandant of Police Training School (PTS) Gishari, emphasized on breaking silence on drug dealers and protection of child rights especially fighting teenage pregnancies. 

The outreach exercise was also attended by the mayor of Kirehe Gerard Muzungu and Lt. Col. Joseph Ndahiro of the 59th Infantry Battalion as well as local leaders, among others.

Kirehe is mapped as one of the main routes for drug traffickers from the neighbouring Tanzania. 

RNP and Tanzania Police Force are also working together to destroy cannabis farms especially in Kagera region of Tanzania and to sensitise neighbouring communities on fighting the vice.

A joint team of the two friendly forces also conducts patrols in River Kagera in an effort to crackdown on drug traffickers that pass through the waters.

"These drugs destroy the children of Rwanda; those who are supposed to be in school end up becoming addicted and criminals. They're the same people who will be destabilizing your communities, but it lies in the responsibilities of each one of your to prevent such... that's what community policing means; giving you the power to ensure your community safety," CP Nshimiyimana told residents of Kirehe.

In Musanze, CP Faustin Ntirushwa, the Commandant of National Police College (NPC), while addressing about 2, 000 residents who turn-up for the campaign, underscored the need for collective efforts in ensuring that their communities are safe.

CP Ntirushwa also hinted on the pressing concern of distilling of illicit brew as well as sell and use of narcotic drugs like cannabis calling for immediate ownership by reporting dealers.

CP Ntirushwa observed that consumption of illicit substances or abuse of drugs continues to affect families both financially and in social aspects.

He also spoke against violence that women and children face, adding that protecting them goes beyond just a family to the whole community. 

"Don't look at something illegal and criminal happening and you keep quiet. It is also criminal to take the law into your own hands. Report wrongdoers to Police or other concerned authorities and late the law take its course," CP Ntirushwa told the residents.

Both events were also characterized by friendly football matches between regional Police teams and local community teams, dedicated to strengthening partnership against lawlessness.