Rwanda National Police

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana received, at his office in Kacyiru, a delegation from the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) and the two discussed matters related to Human Rights.

The delegation is headed by Maina Kiai, the UNSR on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

Their visit aimed at assessing and gathering information related to promotion and protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

The officials inquired on how Rwanda National Police responds in times of peaceful assemblies.

The IGP briefed the officials on how the force works with other institutions and the general public in ensuring security as a pro-active force.

He informed them that there are procedures that those seeking to hold peaceful assembly have to go through such as acquiring an authorization from local authorities.

Rwanda, he said, has had “limited and minor illegal assemblies” and have been dealt with in accordance to the law.

The IGP said: “People have rights to freedom of holding assemblies, but they have to be lawful and peaceful. We have to make sure that even those legal assemblies does not turn violent or infringe on other people’s rights.”

He added: “Some people might have different agendas, which we have to take into account to ensure that there is no disorder and chaos.”

Mr. Kiai commended the country’s reconstruction and transformation following the 1994 Genocide Perpetuated against the Tutsis.

The meeting was also attended by the DIGP in charge of Operations, Dan Munyuza and other commissioners in the force.