English
Kinyarwanda
His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, on Wednesday, May 27, commissioned 436 cadet officers during a colourful pass-out ceremony held at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District.
The Head of State conferred upon the graduates the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP). The newly commissioned junior officers include 377 Rwanda National Police (RNP) officers, 30 from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), 20 from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and nine allied students from Seychelles.
Among the graduates are 109 female officers. Other four Rwandan cadets completed part of their training in Singapore and Egypt.
The commissioning of the 14th Police cadet intake coincided with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Rwanda National Police (RNP), which was established in June 2000.
President Kagame commended the Rwanda National Police for 25 years of exemplary service, thanking police officers for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of Rwandans and contributing to peace and stability beyond the country’s borders.
He added that the force’s achievements were built on strong cooperation with various stakeholders, including other security organs and, most importantly, the support and trust of Rwandans themselves.
“We must continue to preserve and strengthen this spirit of unity and collective responsibility,” President Kagame said.
While recognizing Police Chiefs, representatives and partners from other friendly countries in Africa and beyond, who attended the cadet graduation and RNP anniversary, the Head of State noted that countries share a common commitment to working together to safeguard security and promote development across the region.
Police Chiefs and representatives from Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eswatini, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Qatar, Seychelles, Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Tanzania, and Namibia as well as heads of regional police organisations graced the occasion.
President Kagame observed that the security landscape continues to evolve, with crimes becoming increasingly sophisticated and cross-border in nature, stressing that the Police must keep pace with emerging challenges.
He further highlighted the importance of preventive policing, saying the force should continue adopting approaches that anticipate and stop crimes before they occur, while also responding effectively to current challenges and planning for the future.
“That is the culture we want our police force to embody,” he said, adding that strengthening capacity, enhancing professionalism, improving skills, and investing in modern tools and equipment should remain priorities if the country is to effectively prevent and address emerging security threats.
To the newly commissioned officers, the President urged them to demonstrate through their actions the values and knowledge acquired during their training.
“The training you completed was not only meant to prepare you professionally, but also to instill in you values that help you understand what it means to serve your country and its citizens,” he said.
He called on the officers to reject all forms of malpractices like corruption, exercise sound judgment in decision-making, and fulfill their responsibilities with integrity and commitment.
The President also thanked the families of the new officers for supporting and entrusting their children to serve their country, noting that their role in guiding and mentoring them continues even during their service.
The 25th anniversary, he emphasized, should serve as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to the values and professionalism that define the Rwanda National Police.
He urged officers to remain professional and humble in their service to the country and its people, saying such principles are essential in sustaining the trust and confidence that Rwandans have in the police force.
During the event, President Kagame also inspected an exhibition of modern police equipment and witnessed tactical demonstrations showcasing the operational capabilities, professionalism, and preparedness of the Rwanda National Police in maintaining national security and public order.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye thanked His Excellency the President for his continuously strategic direction and unwavering support to the Rwanda National Police since its establishment, noting that it has enabled the force to effectively address the complex and evolving security challenges of today’s world, which require exceptional commitment and innovative approaches.
“Your vision and counsel guided our mission to build our security operations on a firm foundation centred on the citizen. Today, community participation in ensuring security has become an unquestionable principle,” CG Namuhoranye said. “The guidance you provided has yielded remarkable results, to the extent that scholars have documented Rwanda’s experience in a book titled ‘The Police and the Community in Rwanda.’”
The book highlights Rwanda’s commitment to empowering citizens to play an active role in ensuring their own security.
“Over the past 25 years, as you have consistently guided us, we have worked closely with the community. We have also collaborated with various partners, including other security institutions in Rwanda as well as police forces from across the region and beyond,” he added. “The Police and other security institutions will continue to work together to ensure that every Rwandan lives free from fear of anything that could threaten their safety and security.”
CG Namuhoranye further said that the Rwanda National Police has prioritised technology-driven policing approaches, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence and integrated digital service systems, while continuing to invest in training and improving operational efficiency to keep pace with the evolving nature of crime.
