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On June 16, all roads led to Amahoro Stadium – Petit Stade – where thousands of Rwandans and local and international partners joined RNP to mark its 15th anniversary under ’15 years of partnership in policing.’
RNP was joined by government officials, local, regional and international partners to celebrate its fifteen years of service delivery in keeping law and order, marked by professionalism, efficiency and partnership.
High level dignitaries present included Minister of Internal Security Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, who officiated the event, the Mayor of Kigali Fidele Ndayisaba, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, the Chief of Defence Staff of Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), CGP Emmanuel K. Gasana, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other senior government officials , senior police officers and local leaders, among others.
They were also joined by representatives of friendly police institutions from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, EAPCCO Head of Regional Bureau and a representatives from Interpol.
On this date in the year 2000, RNP was created by law No. 09 of 2000 and latter repealed by law No 46/2010 of 14/11/2010. The creation of the force merged three policing organs including, the Gendarmerie Nationale under the Ministry of Defence, the Communal Police in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Judicial Police in the Ministry of Justice at the time.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) came into existence as a force dedicated to safeguarding the rule of law through the provision of high quality service based on accountability and transparency.
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In his remarks, Minister Harerimana noted that RNP has been able to grow into a renowned force through the guidance of President Paul Kagame, good leadership and immense sacrifices made by the citizenry through patriotism and introduction of community policing.
He noted that Rwandans demanded to have an accountable, respectful and professional police force, which they have today.
“When Police came into being in 2000, its first priority was to consolidate safety and security, which had been lacking in the previous governments that culminated into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. For this to happen, so much investment was made in promoting the values of selfless service, professionalism and efficiency in overcoming crime and enabling a safe environment,” Minister Harerimana said.
“This excellent security we enjoy today did not just happen by accident. It was paid through a ransom of hard work and guidance of good leadership by our president and dedicated officers who had the knowledge and skills required to overcome the challenges that faced communities.”
IGP Gasana said that as RNP sought to consolidate security gains, it went beyond the traditional methods of policing and looked at a greater vision to make the people in Rwanda understand their role in crime prevention.
“In fifteen years, we have built a force that is founded on strong partnerships with the public in fighting crime. These partnerships are evident today through the promotion of core values of security and safety, spearheaded through community policing that enables police officers and residents to share critical information that is used to overcome crime,” IGP Gasana said.
“Rwandans emerged from a tough period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi – and it is against this background that we pursue service delivery through professionalism and efficiency. We have grown both in efficiency and the number of police officers has multiplied by eight times since its establishment.”
IGP Gasana added that: “RNP partnerships have tremendously grown locally, regionally and internationally to include representations at the Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore and the United Nations in New York, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi.”
" The achievements made by RNP so far were enabled and emanate from the guidance by HE Paul Kagame, the president of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander -in -chief of Defense and Security forces. We appreciate his strong support and guidance based on visionary leadership as evident today" IGP Gasana said
The Mayor of Kigali, Fidele Ndayisaba lauded RNP for “breaking the traditional notion” that police does not cooperate with residents in socio development activities.
“Great work has been achieved through community policing. Many people in the world and in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, perceived Police as an enemy of the people. However, in its fifteen years, RNP has broken that myth by upholding professionalism and being very approachable and accountable to the people they are mandated to serve.”
“Therefore as we celebrate today, we must honor the men and women who sacrifice their own safety day and night to protect us from ruthless criminals and to ensure that we enjoy sustainable prosperity.”
The Director of Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management, Wellars Gasamagera, who spoke on behalf of RNP’s partners in crime prevention, which include both private and public organizations, noted that police has been successful in building bonds of strong trust, which have enabled residents to freely cooperate in overcoming crime.
“By involving Rwandans in their own safety, RNP had discovered the best way to sustain a peaceful environment,” Gasamagera said.
Key activities of the celebrations included the awarding of best performing district and sectors in security and hygiene campaign conducted in City of Kigali, in the last six months and individuals who distinguished themselves in community policing.
Kicukiro emerged as the best district in security and hygiene, and was awarded a Toyota pick updouble-cabin.
Remera Sector in Gasabo District received two motorcycles as the best sector, while Kanombe in Kicukiro and Rwezamenyo in Nyarugenge received a motorcycle each after emerging second and third respectively.
At individual level, David Hategikimana , a resident of Kicukiro was awarded a motorcycle for his contributions towards community policing initiatives, particularly on radio discussions where he provided regular input – and Adolph Mutanagana of Gisozi, who provided timely information during a specific police operation.
Since its establishment, RNP has grown in numbers by over 200 percent, with women, who were hardly part of the new police force at the time, now comprising over 20 percent of the current total force and capabilities in terms of equipment were increasingly built
