Rwanda National Police

Twenty specialized investigators of sexual and gender based violence from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) member states, are convening in Kigali in a 10-day training to enhance their investigative skills in addressing the vice.

The course organized by Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the EASF, started on Monday, June 16, bringing together participants are from nine EASF member countries, namely; Rwanda, Sudan, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, and Uganda.

It is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that police officers serving in international peacekeeping roles are well-prepared to respond to the complex challenges posed by sexual and gender-based violence, especially in conflict-affected areas.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Administration and Personnel, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, while opening the training, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the persistent and grave challenge of sexual and gender-based violence.

She added that the partnership between RNP and the EASF Police Component in capacity development programme, has reinforced collective commitment to peace, security, and professional policing across the region.

DIGP Ujeneza emphasized that SGBV is among the most the serious human rights violations affecting women and children, and posing a threat to family structures and community stability.

She also noted the critical role of institutions such as the Regional Centre of Excellence on Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse, which RNP continues to support in developing specialized capabilities in this field. 

The current training, she said, is a direct reflection of that commitment, offering vital investigative skills and reinforcing the proactive role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable populations.

“Having this training jointly is significant to our deployments in peace support operations as member states, where we are expected to uphold human rights and contribute to the stability of fragile environments,” she added.

The Deputy Police Chief called on participants to actively engage, share knowledge, and build lasting professional networks that will enhance collaboration across borders in future peacekeeping missions.

The spirit of collaboration and duty, she said, should define the law enforcement community.