Rwanda National Police

Muslim clerics in the Eastern Province have pledged to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in raising awareness to fight and prevent crimes.

They made the commitment on Monday at the start of the three-day leadership retreat for Muslim clerics serving in the Eastern province, currently underway in Rwamagana District.

Their dialogue is largely deliberating on, among other aspects, how to improve the social wellbeing of the people.

Sheikh Djumaine Kamanzi, the Imam of the Eastern Province said that Islam is a religion of peace, mercy and goodness.

“Islam forbids violence in all its forms; it forbids all acts that undermine the security of the innocent… it is a duty of Muslims to participate in efforts to ensure peaceful and secure Rwandan communities," Sheikh Kamanzi said.

He observed that faith-based organizations can play a vital role in influencing behavioural change especially among the young people, who engage in unlawful acts of abusing and selling narcotic drugs as well as alcoholism.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP), Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Eastern region Police spokesperson, lauded the pledge from Muslim leaders and said crimes are against all human and Islamic norms.

He urged them to condemn lawlessness and to drive the ideals of community policing and information sharing with authorities where crimes are suspected.

CIP Twizeyimana asked the clerics to offer guidance to the young people, who may be lured into drug related crimes, human trafficking and radicalism.

He called for partnership to educate the young people to have knowledge on negative propaganda before wrong people take advantage.

The spokesperson also took time to enlighten them on the ongoing national road safety campaign dubbed Gerayo Amahoro, and urged them to carry on the message to ensure safe usage of roads.