Rwanda National Police

Residents of the Northern Province have been asked to play a lead role in prevention, fighting and reporting corruption. 

The call was made by Police on June 5, during several meetings conducted concurrently in all Districts of Northern Province.

The meetings which were also graced by local authority, aimed at further rising awareness about dangers of corruption and as a result, mobilize citizens to directly play both individual and collective role in fight graft in communities.

The move is also part of Rwanda National Police’s ongoing campaign against corruption under the umbrella of Police Week.

The campaign launched on Monday is a joint effort with other entities that include prosecution, office of the Ombudsman, Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Rwanda Governance Board and Transparence International Rwanda.

Addressing residents, the Northern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, commended the continued partnership of residents in the area of crime prevention. He particularly appreciated the good turn up of public for campaigns against corruption during the meetings chaired in districts.

He observed that, corruption has diverse effects on individuals, service delivery, governance, justice and development of the country.

“Bearing in mind all the consequences of corruption, it is important to note that, fighting the vice just like other criminal offences requires consistent and c close collaboration of security agencies, public and other stakeholders," said CIP Twizeyimana.

He however advised campaigners to shun anything that would entice them into either offering or receiving bribes, but instead share credible information on those involved to ensure such people are arrested.

“Avoid any malpractices of either buying or selling services, while the law clearly gives you full rights to access it, or when you are bound by the law to offer free services. Soliciting money from residents in turn for services you provided them is corruption and indeed, this is a criminal offence which is punishable by the law.” CIP Twizeyimana said calling for more cooperation among residents to fight the vice.  

Campaigners in all these meetings expressed dire willingness to combat corruption.