A total of 387 Police officers, yesterday, completed a counter terrorism course at the Police Counter-Terror Training Centre in Mayange, Bugesera District as the Force continues to build the capacity of officers in various policing disciplines.

The training focused on two disciplines; VIP protection training which lasted three months and benefited 99 officers, including 11 females; and a ‘Special Forces’ training attended by 288 officers that lasted five months.

The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, who officiated at the pass-out, said such trainings "present a well performing and capable Force.”

"Before 1994, security organs had a saying that an intervention comes after an incident. This created shame and made the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi inevitable,” Harerimana said.

Although Rwanda has not experienced public protests requiring police intervention, it is crucial for officers to acquire all modern policing skills, he said, adding that it also helps them execute their duties well in peacekeeping missions, where they are charged with crowd control, among other tasks.

"The training was in line with the government’s policy of initiating home-grown solutions, capacity building, values and dignity of officers,” he added.

He challenged the graduands to utilise the acquired skills to bring about sustainable peace and security.

Assistant Inspector of Police Diana Mukundwa, the best overall performer in VIP Protection course, said the training was beneficial to her as an individual and the Force in general.

"I can defend myself when need arises and ably protect those I am assigned to protect. This is an important aspect for a professional officer and I am happy for being part of this training,” AIP Mukundwa said.

Participants in the VIP protection course focused on physical training and security, surveillance, map reading, and anti-terrorism.

On the other hand, the Basic Special Forces course focused on tactical skills and crowd control, martial arts, which are among the basic skills for Special Forces.

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