English
Kinyarwanda
Senior law enforcement officials are convening in Kigali for a two-day Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Organs Meeting to strengthen regional collaboration against transnational organized crime and terrorism.
The meeting under the theme "Leveraging on our Regional Cooperation and Partnerships against Transnational Organized Crimes and Terrorism,” opened on Tuesday, March 24, at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The Secretary General of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Col. (Rtd) Pacifique Kayigamba Kabanda, while opening the meeting, emphasized the importance of continued in-person engagement.
He stressed the shared responsibility of member states in addressing evolving security threats.
“Today, we are here not only as representatives of our countries, but as partners with a shared mission to fight crime and improve security in our region,” Kabanda noted.
He also highlighted growing global recognition of the region’s cooperation, through unity and cooperation.
Despite progress, he warned of escalating threats posed by transnational crimes.
“Crimes such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, human smuggling, and terrorism are increasing and becoming more complex. Criminals easily cross borders, so we must work together. Unity and coordination are our strongest tools.”
Calling for concrete outcomes, SG Kabanda urged participants to move beyond dialogue. “This meeting should not only be about discussion, but also about action...share ideas, learn from each other, and find practical solutions that can work in our countries.”
He also paid tribute to fallen officers across the region. “We remember the police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. We honor their sacrifice and remain committed to the values they stood for.”
Africa Apollo Sendahangarwa, Chief Executive Officer of EAPCCO and Head of the Interpol Regional Bureau, commended the organization’s leadership and member states for their commitment.
“Our organization is making good progress in consolidating regional cooperation. EAPCCO is slowly becoming a reference of success in regional law enforcement cooperation in Africa and beyond,” he said.
Africa emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and partnerships.
EAPCCO brings together 14 member states to cooperate mainly on regional policing matters such as combating transnational crime, terrorism, and improving law enforcement collaboration.
