Rwanda National Police

As Rwandans and friends of Rwanda continue to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda National Police (RNP) reminds the public to step up against any crimes that may disrupt peace and security and commemoration activities across the country.

In this important endeavor, RNP reminds residents throughout the country to strengthen Community Policing and deliver timely information that can help to avert and investigate any threats to peace and security in communities.

While speaking on Radio Izuba in Ngoma District on April 10, the District police commander, SP Paul Byuma together with Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, noted that specific crimes that contain genocide ideologies and threats to survivors should not be left unreported, if the concept of "Never Again" is to be reinforced and realized.

"Police has been vigilant during this commemoration period and has made arrests of suspects who exhibited genocide ideologies, as well as those who threatened survivors. These investigations were aided by information that was provided by citizens, which underlines the importance of Community Policing," IP Kayigi said.

"This is a period that brings all Rwandans together in memory of what happened in 1994. We should therefore continue to work together in making Rwanda very safe for everyone and ensure that those who try to act against the law can not be tolerated in any way but brought to justice SP Byuma emphasised. 

He advised the public to heed to national programs and participate in ongoing community discussions aimed at finding measures against genocide ideologies and encourage Rwandans to speak truthfully about what happened 21 years ago, which will reinforce the healing, unity, reconciliation and transformation process.

"As you attend community discussions, ensure that your homes are properly locked and your property protected, because there are some people who want to use this period to commit all sorts of crimes. With vigilance, patriotism and hard work, we shall together sustain the peace and security we enjoy in our country," he added.

This year's commemoration activities held at the Village level, focus on fighting genocide denial and negation.