Rwanda National Police

Rwanda and South Sudan police institutions held discussions, yesterday, to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas of policing.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana and his counterpart of South Sudan Gen. Majak Akec Malok headed their respective delegations in a meeting at the Rwanda National Police headquarters in Kacyiru.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy IGPs from the two friendly institutions.

IGP Gasana said that the two police institutions have enjoyed cordial relations since formalizing their cross-border cooperation in an agreement signed in May 2012.

“Rwanda National Police has prioritized, among others, cross-border cooperation to join efforts to fight cross-border and transnational organized crimes, and this partnership signifies our commitment to work together to ensure safety and security of our region,” IGP Gasana said.

He pledged further commitment to deepen the policing partnership especially in areas of exchange of based practices, capacity building especially through training, and exchange of information and criminals as outlined in the memorandum of understanding that binds the two institutions.

On his part, Gen. Malok said: “This is first country that invited us and I have visited since my appointment as IGP last month. It is also the first country we signed bilateral agreement with in terms of capacity building in areas of operations, security and intelligence; fighting organized crimes related to cyber and human trafficking… it is a progressive and productive partnership.”

At least 49 Police officers from South Sudan have attained varied training in Rwanda including Senior Command and Staff Course, Intermediate and Supervisory courses as well as cadet course.

“This is a unique partnership that we need even our generations to enjoy for the good of our people,” Gen. Malok added.

He also commended the role of Rwandan peacekeepers in restoring peace and stability in South Sudan.

“Rwandan peacekeepers in South Sudan including the Rwandan regional protection force continue to exhibit professionalism, and we are fully cooperating with them; it’s the only force in South Sudan that has not been implicated in any crime,” he observed.

RNP maintains about 430 police officers in South Sudan, including a Formed Police Unit hybrid of 240 officers, and another FPU of about 160 officers. Others work as advisors and mentors.

On the issue of stability and security, he said that such partnerships are meant to facilitate the mission and vision of South Sudan National Police Service to make the country safe for all and where people have no fear of any crime.

During his three-day visit, Gen. Malok and his delegation will also visit, Isange One Stop to see how RNP responds to gender based violence and child abuse as well as RNP schools.