Rwanda National Police yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with four districts from Western Province to join efforts to fight and prevent crimes as well as for poverty alleviation.

The districts in the deal are Karongi, Ngororero, Nyabihu and Rutsiro.

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, signed on behalf of the RNP, while districts were represented by their respective mayors in a function at Karongi District.

This brings the number of districts in partnership with RNP to 30.

The cooperation will focus, among others, on training of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) in crime prevention, community policing skills and community mobilisation to participate in development activities.

"Policing is all about partnership for quick and sustainable development through crime prevention and community sensitisation,” IGP Gasana said.

The agreement is part of many other initiatives between the Force and local entities that aim at ensuring security for the people.

The IGP also said RNP will award the district that will excel in crime prevention.

The acting governor of Western Province, Paul Jabo, commended existing cooperation between the districts and the force in crime prevention and poverty eradication programmes.

Jabo also commended the Force’s role in promoting development programmes such as eradication of thatched housing, locally known as Nyakatsi.

Bernard Kayumba, the mayor of Karongi, also said the cooperation will enhance the existing partnership to implement development programmes jointly while fighting anything that might hinder the progress of the district and the country in general.