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Kinyarwanda
The Rwanda National Police annual community out reach activities to mark its anniversary officially started on June 9 in Musanze District with appeals for a stronger collective response against crime.
While speaking to over 1500 Musanze residents and officials, who turned up for the launch, the Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, called upon Rwandans to work together in the spirit of patriotism to overcome crime, and also partner with law enforcers to solve and prevent crimes efficiently.
He advised residents to teach children values of patriotism so that they can grow up with virtues that promote national safety and security.
“The main problem today is that parents and guardians do not spend enough time with their children to talk about the values of patriotism and thus, they become susceptible to a life of crime when they grow older. We need to reemphasis our traditional values of nurturing children so that our country can have a better future,” Minister Kaboneka said.
“The youth should concentrate more on their education and careers rather than collaborate with criminals such as drug dealers, or waste their talents and time in worthless activities that will undermine their safety and their future.”
The Governor of Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe, commended RNP for “tirelessly enforcing security and safety” in the country and called on residents to cooperate with police through the delivery of timely information that helps to overcome crime and apprehend criminals.
“Community policing has been fruitful ever since it was introduced by RNP – and it has enabled residents to practice it in their neighborhoods to promote safety and security. Only together we can achieve common goal of a safer and better place to live,” he said.
The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, commended the role played by different partners in policing in the last 15 years. He reminded residents that the modern era is challenged with sophisticated crimes committed through the use of technology, which calls for more concerted operations facilitated by timely information on any illegal and criminal activities.
“In this modern period, effective response and stopping crimes before they happen is paramount – therefore, through community policing, citizens are given a more direct role to play in crime prevention and watching over the quality of life in their communities,” he said.
“Let each of us strive to perform our roles in safeguarding the welfare of our communities and develop greater trust for the greater good of the country.”
During the event in Musanze, RNP provided financial support to procure four cows for disadvantaged residents.
In a parallel event in Rulindo, police also provided five cows to the vulnerable communities..
This 6th edition dubbed - Police Week-2015 - 15 Years of Partnership in Policing- is a moment to strengthen awareness against crime, educate people on trends and impact of crime to close the gap and improve the Police-public engagement.
It is also a time to share best policing practices, reassure people living in Rwanda, contribute to the well-being of communities, appreciate support from partners and an opportunity to account to the community in line with safeguarding the fundamental rights
The activities launched in Musanze are expected to continue in the Western Province in Rubavu District today before shifting to the Southern and Eastern provinces.
It will be climaxed by the Police Day on June 16, when Rwanda National Police will be marking its 16th anniversary since it's creation in 2000 after merging three uncoordinated institutions; Gendarmerie Nationale under the Ministry of Defense, the Communal Police under the Ministry of Interior and the Judicial Police Inspectors under the Ministry of Justice, which had the police mandate at the time.
