English
Kinyarwanda
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana has called for stronger partnership between police and the public in order to promote Road Safety and overcome the persistent trafficking, trade and consumption of illicit drugs and other local crimes like domestic violence that affect the country’s safety and security.
The Police Chief made the call on October 1 while meeting over 1200 local leaders, transporters and commercial motorcyclists in Nyagatare District.
The local leaders included The executive secretaries of all the 14 and 108 Sectors and Cells respectively, in a joint event that focused on strengthening the fight against drug abuse and promoting road safety under the ongoing Road Safety awareness Month.’
“It is important to work together for common interests in advancing a sustainably secure Rwanda. Through the philosophy of Community Policing, we can together promote partnership, collaborative effort between the police and the community to more effectively and efficiently identify, prevent and solve problems of crime like drug abuse, and avert the fear of crime,” he said.
“There are individuals or groups of people who device means to disrupt neighborhoods and the country at large. But through a mutual partnership and national values, we can all overcome such elements and collectively improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
He further urged them to refrain from acts of facilitating or involvement in illegal acts, including drug trafficking and smuggling
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya who preside over the meeting
Challenged locals to embrace community policing in their localities to promote quick flow of information to prevent crime,preserve peace and promote partnership with the people they serve.
She also urged transporters and commercial motorcyclists against violating traffic rules, which contributes to fatal accidents.rather promote community safety.
Governor Umariya emphasized the need for information sharing on crimes especially drug dealers, adding that it is an essential factor in “quick response” that subsequently supplements the “overall ideal of crime prevention.”
Nyagatare is said to be among the main transit routes for the varied trafficked brands of gin banned in Rwanda including crude waragi (Kanyanga), Sky Blue and Chief Waragi and many others.
Some of those arrested in connection with this illegal business include commercial motorcyclists or those facilitated by motorcyclists and drivers of public vehicles.
Governor Uwamariya commended police for being accountable and opening up to the people.
“Motorcyclists are expected to act smartly and exemplary in their valued income generating business. Rather than collaborating with criminals to facilitate a crime or transporting stolen equipment, you should work with Police and local leaders to apprehend suspects,” she noted.
The governor concluded by pledging commitment to effectively partner with police to turn back crime in the province.
The Mayor of Nyagatare, Fred Sabiti Atuhe promised to take the existing policing partnership with Police to another level.
Rwanda National Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding with all districts in the country to partner in crime prevention and human security.
Through its human security initiatives, Rwanda National Police has been supporting motorcycle associations including donating motorcycles and financial contributions in a bid to support the country’s poverty alleviation agenda.
