Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on the business community to play an active role in crime prevention by adhering to the rule of law.

The message was delivered to over 470 traders operating in Kigali during a five-day sensitization campaign that kicked off on March 12.

In his message on March 15, the Director of Publications and Archives at RNP, CIP Jean Claude Karasira said that the Rwandan business community has a duty to conduct crime prevention programs and strategies to beef up security and reduce crime.

“There are criminal attacks that target the business community and therefore, they disrupt the economic progress of Rwanda. RNP has the mandate to protect business community and Rwanda at large through approaches like neighborhood watch and community policing,” he said.

 “These strategies seek to engage residents and traders in addressing the factors that contribute to crime and disorder – and it is the reason why the business community should cooperate with police, through delivery of timely information, in ensuring that these strategies work efficiently.”

He also warned the business communities against suspects who pretend to be traders yet in reality are criminals who deal in human trafficking, drugs smuggling and other vices.

“You must be vigilant against criminals who infiltrate the business community. Always be on the watch and sensitize your fellow traders about the dangers that such people pause to the socioeconomic development of our country,” he said.

One of the traders who attended the seminar, Butera Jean Bosco, commended RNP for ensuring that security and order are enforced, which enables genuine traders to conduct their businesses profitably and sustainably.

“We have a high level of peace in Rwanda and this has enabled us to conduct our businesses profitably. But we will not take this for granted as traders, and we should always cooperate with Police if there is any of our colleagues we suspect of conducting illicit activities,” he urged.

Participants in the meeting also deliberated on how to come up with effective mechanisms to contribute to security around their premises including periodic campaigns aimed at promoting law and order.