Regional police officers were yesterday urged to make use of the existing cooperation between law enforcement organs to combat cross-border crime.

The call was made during  a Peace and Security Symposium held yesterday at the National Police College in Musanze District. 

The symposium, organised by the college as part of the training programme of the second intake of the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) aimed at discussing the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.  It was attended by senior police officers from across the region.

The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana, said new wave of threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, fraud and money laundering are likely to harm peace and security in the region if not countered jointly.

"There is insurgence and violence in many parts of our region. Some countries are affected by political uprisings in form of demonstrations that pose threats to internal security,” Harelimana said.

"Law enforcement agencies are always at the forefront when it comes to ensuring that the community they serve is safe. Attaining this objective, however, is always a challenge. Yet whereas internal threats in our country have been contained, the external ones remain…hostile groups and elements operating from across the borders are still at large and make regular attempts to carry out terrorism acts against civilians,” he added.

The minister cited the DRC-based Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), as one of the threats to regional security.

"Rwanda, like any other country, faces threats of organised crime that are constantly evolving. These new challenges demand new responses from law enforcers.”

Other speakers at the event included ministers James Kabarebe of Defence and Johnston Busingye of Justice as well as  the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana.

A total of 28 students from nine countries are attending the second intake of the Police course.

Participants are from Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi, Swaziland, Ethiopia and hosts, Rwanda.

Minister Busingye challenged law enforcers to always respect people’s rights, including the right to privacy.

IGP Gasana said: "Rwanda National Police is embracing new technologies which require revising the means of policing.” 

The course combines three Police components which include; operational staff work of police, offered by Rwanda National Police; strategic leadership and management (level seven certificate), offered by the UK-based Bramshill Police College; and a Masters in peace studies and conflict management, offered in partnership with the University of Rwanda-College of Arts and Social Science (CASS).