English
Kinyarwanda
The National Police College (NPC), on July 14, held a symposium on ‘Peace and Security’ with a call for regional law enforcement agencies to shift from the traditional internal-focused policing to cooperate if they are to effectively contain the ever evolving modern and serious crimes which are cross-border in nature.
The formal event held at the College in Musanze District was held under the theme “Addressing Contemporary Peace and Security Challenges”.
It was organized by the College as part of the training programme of the second intake of the ‘Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC), to discuss on challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in course to ensure peace and security.
The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana, while officially opening the event, said a wide range of threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, fraud and money laundering have marked the contemporary era and are likely to harm peace and security of individuals and communities.
“There is insurgence and violence in many parts of our region. Some countries are affected by political uprisings in form of demonstration that may be referred to as the greatest threat to internal security,” Minister Harelimana said.
“Law enforcement agencies are always at the forefront to ensure that the community they serve is free, safe and reassured. Attaining this objective, however, is always a challenge although not impossible. Whereas the internal threats in our country have been contained, the external ones remain…hostile groups and elements that operate from across and along the borders are still out there and make regular attempts to carryout terrorism acts against civilians,” he added.
The DRC-based genocidal forces – FDLR – which of recently teamed up with a faction of PS-Imberakuri and Rwanda National Congress (RNC) have been labeled as a threat to regional security and are said to be behind various terror attacks carried out in Rwanda since 2010, which claimed lives of some people.
“These crimes are heinous and the damage they cause is felt at the very heart of our communities. Responding to these threats requires the law enforcement concerted effort, determination, hard work and continuous vigilance,” he noted
“Rwanda, like any other country on the globe faces threats of modern serious organized crimes that are constantly evolving. The new challenges demand new responses from law enforcers.”
Other speaks at the event include Ministers James Kabarebe of Defence and Johnston Busingye of Justice and the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana.
Twenty eight students from nine regional countries are attending the second intake of the highest Police course.
The countries are Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi, Swaziland, Ethiopia and the host, Rwanda.
Minister Kabarebe also observed that the DRC conflict has “become an opportunity for doing business to some nations, organizations and individuals.”
Minister Busingye said the Rwandan government is governed by the will of people and challenged law enforcement agencies to always respect people’s rights like physical and mental integrity and privacy.
“The law will turn against anyone who turns against the oath of office they took,” said Busingye.
IGP Gasana said security and development move hand-in-hand.
“Rwanda National Police is redefining and refocusing considering new technologies which require revising the means of policing,” said IGP Gasana.
The course combines three Police components; ‘operational staff work of police’ offered by Rwanda National Police, ‘strategic leadership and management,’ (level seven certificate), offered by the UK-based Bramshill Police College and a Master’s in ‘Peace Studies and Conflict Management’ offered in partnership with the University of Rwanda-College of Arts and Social Science (CASS).
