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Kinyarwanda
Ministers in charge of Internal Affairs or Interior from Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, on May 30, met in Kigali and signed the peace and security pact implementation framework.
Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana signed on behalf of Rwanda, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima signed on behalf of Uganda while Kenya was represented by the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Governance, Joseph Ole Lenku.
Burundi and South Sudan, which attended as observers were represented by Ministers Edouard Nduwimana and Kuol Manyang Juuk of Interior and Defence and Veterans Affairs respectively.
The framework was developed by working group of security experts from Police, intelligence, immigration and correctional services during their three-day session which started on Monday and endorsed by Chiefs of services.
The framework is in line with the peace and security pact signed by Heads of State in February under the tripartite initiative and directed security chiefs to develop the implementation framework.
The framework seeks to strengthen security and facilitate the Northern Corridor integration projects by jointly combating transnational crimes.
Among the Northern Corridor integration projects being implemented are Single Customs, Common Market Protocol and Monetary Union.
Minister Harelimana thanked the delegates for their commitment and proactive contribution for the success of the framework.
He said that the signed paper will be submitted to their respective Ministers of Justice for legal assistance before presenting to the summit for approval.
The Minister of Defense, James Kabarebe, who officiated the closing ceremony urged member countries to collectively and jointly put into action what has been agreed upon adding that security of citizens rests in their hands.
"We need to demonstrate to our people they can move freely by eradicating terror organizations from our region and fight transnational crimes collectively," Minister Kabarebe said.
He observed that the Northern Corridor initiatives by our respective Heads of State have set up unprecedented opportunities for the people of the three countries.
"We have, as a priority, to put in place measures to safeguard them. We have set up a road-map for ourselves and let this be the beginning of close coordination and working together as one team for the collective good of our people," he added.
