Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police, last week, continued its activities in line with its mission and vision. Below are the major activities conducted in the past week for people in Rwanda to feel safe, involved and reassured.

Regional states reaffirm commitment to fight against genocide

KENYA, RWANDA and UGANDA have reaffirmed their commitment for the fight against genocide during  the Ministerial meeting of Peace and Security cluster for the Northern corridor  Integrated Projects (NCIP).

The meeting directed that member states designate April 7 as a day to  joint Rwandans in commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which claimed more than one million innocent lives.

This is one of the resolutions adopted on May 22 in Nairobi, Kenya, in a meeting chaired by Rwanda’s Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana.

South Sudan attended as an observer

The meeting also attended by the Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, was convened to review the progress of the implementation of the ‘Mutual Peace and Security Pact.’

The meeting also directed  that member states  will have to take measures to domesticate all relevant international legal instruments related to genocide prevention .

Prevention of genocide is among the key areas of cooperation under the pact. Others include conflict prevention, management and resolution, combating terrorism and suppressing piracy.

In his opening remarks, Minister Harerimana noted that the region is currently confronted with serious security threats like terrorism, trafficking in persons, piracy and cybercrime.

“The meeting on peace and security is timely to collectively identify strategies to ensure rapid response as directed by Heads of State,” he said.

In line with responding to threats posed by terrorism, bloc members resolved to fast-track the implementation of the decisions of the East African Community Chiefs of Police adopted in Kampala, Uganda, aimed at strengthening border security management and formulate strategies to counter violent extremism.

The Northern Corridor is an initiative aimed at fast tracking regional development through joint infrastructure, trade, political and economic for greater integration process.

Kenya extradites suspected cocaine trafficker to Rwanda

On Friday May 22, Kenyan authorities extradited a Rwandan suspected cocaine trafficker to face trial in connection with trying to sneak cocaine into Rwanda.

Javier Desire Ndisabiye, who had eluded Police arrest in Kigali, was apprehended by Kenya police at Jomo Kenyatta airport in November last year after he attempted to redirected his flight schedule from Sao Paolo to Rwanda, following the arrest of his two accomplices in Kigali.

Ndisabiye, together with one Sostene Izibyayo and Eric Rukundo, who were also arrested at Kigali International Airport in last November, are accused of attempting to traffic 7.4 kilogrammes of cocaine into the country.

The hardcore drugs in 14 packs were at the time concealed in ladies’ bags found in Izibyayo's luggage.

Police spokesperson, Chief Supt. Celestin Twahirwa attributed their arrest to the "fruits of police cooperation."

"There is no safe haven for criminals and this case is a testimony that  police cooperation between regional and International police forces is paramount."

He said cocaine and other hardcore drugs like heroine are rare cases in Rwanda, but added that Rwanda National Police remains "wide awake and confident that Rwanda can neither be a transit nor a destination for illicit drugs."

Cooperation key to policing – IGP Gasana tells visiting Kenyan delegation

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, while receiving a delegation of trainers from Kenya National Police Service,  on May 20 noted that the modern policing era requires constant training, cooperation and exchange of information to combat emerging crimes.

“The changing times require credible information that can shape and inform the way police institutions operate to overcome emerging challenges like cybercrime, organized crime, smuggling and human trafficking among other,” he said.

“Time and again we are required to adapt to the needs of our fast developing economies. Rwanda is experiencing a high level of economic growth, and with it, comes challenges. We therefore need to be at the forefront of this economic development by constantly adjusting with technology, training and also adopt successful mechanisms from our neighbors.”

"RNP is committed to build the capacity of its personnel through training, and we acknowledge Kenya Police as a strong partner in training," he noted.

Dr. Kennedy Onyango Asembo, the Kenya Police Service Training Advisor and head of delegation, said: “In Kenya, we are trying to develop a police force for the 21st century like Rwanda has done.  We are trying to come up with ideas from neighboring countries that have developed great security infrastructure like Rwanda, so that we can absorb those ideas and benchmark our own training modules,” he said.

The delegation on a three-day benchmarking tour aimed at picking best practices implemented by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in responding and overcoming  modern crime

Over 800 youth participate in 'Walk against Drugs'

In the week under review, awareness against crimes continued in different parts of the country.

In Kigali, over 800 youth joined together on May in a 'Walk against drug abuse' that was organized to discourage drug abuse in Rwandan communities, especially among the youth.

The three kilometer journey walk started from Kivugiza cell to Nyamirambo Sector offices in Nyarugenge district.

The walk attracted youth from all over the country, including students and entrepreneurs, residents, local leaders and representatives of Rwanda National Police (RNP).

At the conclusion of the walk, the District Police Commander of Nyarugenge, Superintendent Jean Bosco Mudacumura, noted that alcoholism and drug abuse are detrimental to the health and future of the young generation, and urged youth to concentrate on activities that build their nation rather than indulge in drug abuse.

“Today, we have a group of skilled and talented young people who have a lot of potential. Rwanda has hope in them to contribute to development and ensure that the country’s future is bright. Therefore, drug abuse should not derail their contribution to development. The youth should say no to drugs at all time,” he said.

“You should also endeavor to cooperate with Police and local authorities in order to identify drug dealers and drug abusers, so that communities can be protected against its adverse effects.”

Professionalism is paramount - IGP Gasana urges newly graduated officers

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana on May 18 welcomed the 462 recently graduated Police cadet officers and urged them to uphold professionalism at all times.

“Now is the time to put everything you learnt in practice. At RNP, it is about professionalism, efficiency and dedication to perform duties as expected and serve the public in a manner that builds trust and partnership in promoting safety and peace,” he said.

“You should note that Rwanda is developing at a fast rate. As we develop, some modern crimes also crop up and become more sophisticated than before; and that is why you have been trained adequately to ensure that you use your skills in overcoming modern crimes.”

Gishari Integrated Polytechnic introduce new curriculum

On May 19, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sam Karemera, the Principal of Gishari Integrated Polytechnic (GIP) disclosed that the school has started a new agricultural programme to help farmers adopt the use of machines in their farming activities as the force moves to reinforce the country's drive to improve on productivity.

GIP is a Technical and Vocational Education Training school and one of the wings of the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District established in partnership with the Workforce Development Authority (WDA), to promote, facilitate, and guide the development and upgrading of skills and competencies of the national workforce including police officers and civilians, in order to enhance competitiveness and employability.

ACP Karemera said  the new programme is meant to empower farmers by giving them access to mechanisation services and skills to operate  the agriculture machines.

The school, he noted, will equip farmers with the modern farming skills.

“We have started training our students in agricultural skills development. We acquired agriculture equipment, especially tractors that will be used in teaching the farmers the modern way of farming.” he said.

“Most tractors are lying idle in  some districts partly because of lack of expertise. We are coming in to  support ,bridge this gap  and effectively use these resources.”

GIP also acquired Hydraform Machines that produce 3,000 bricks per day. This is expected to accelerate the setting up of GIP infrastructure.

The main objective of GIP is to strategically respond to the skills development challenges  which will benefit  both police officers and civilians.

RNP, National Women Council join to condemn GBV

Rwanda National Police and the National Women Council (NWC) joined forces to raise voices and call for an end to gender based violence (GBV) in a bid to reinforce equality and the rule of law.

In a General meeting with over 150 members of NWC in Nyarugenge District on May 17, which was also attended by police officers serving in the district, Senator Perine Mukankusi, called on women to exploit the opportunity of equality presented by Rwanda’s leadership and ensure that their rights are respected.

“Rwanda is at the forefront for championing women rights – therefore – we must come together to denounce the crime of GBV and ensure that we collaborate with Police and other institutions in order to uproot it from society,” she said.

The Mayor of Nyarugenge, Solange Mukasonga, told participants to sensitize women on the culture of patriotism and working for the country, as well as to know their rights whenever they face GBV.

“We all have a duty to enhance women’s ability to carry out development activities without the fear of facing GBV. Let us endeavor to provide timely information to Police so that they can arrest any suspected offenders in society,” she said.

The District Community Liaison Officer for Nyarugenge, Inspector of Police Claude Budaraza said: “Girls and women are the common victims of sexual assault and human trafficking. That is why all residents in communities should come together to assist victims and also collaborate with Police and other partners to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

The force established a toll free number 3512 where information from the public concerning defilement, rape and other gender and sexual related crimes can be reported so that immediate investigations can commence.