All roads led to Amahoro Stadium in Remera, Kigali, yesterday, where thousands joined the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to mark its 15th anniversary. 

Representatives of Police institutions from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation head of regional bureau and representatives from Interpol graced the ceremony.

The event was held under the theme; "15 Years of Partnership in Policing.”

The creation of the Force merged three former agencies; the Gendarmerie Nationale, which was under the Ministry of Defence; the Communal Police, overseen by the Ministry of Internal Affairs; and the Judicial Police under the Ministry of Justice.

Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, the minister for internal security, said RNP had been able to grow into a renowned Force through good leadership and a strong community policing culture.

He said Rwandans had demanded to have an accountable, respectful and professional Police force, which they have today.

"When RNP came into being in 2000, its first priority was to consolidate safety and security, which had been lacking under the previous governments culminating into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. To do this, so much investment was made in promoting the values of selfless service, professionalism and efficiency in overcoming crime and enabling a safe environment,” the minister said.

"This excellent security we enjoy today did not just happen by accident.”

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, said as RNP sought to consolidate security gains, it went beyond the traditional methods of policing to make the people understand their role in crime prevention.

"In 15 years, we have built a Force that is founded on strong partnerships with the public in fighting crime. These partnerships are evident today through the promotion of core values of security and safety, spearheaded through community policing that enables police officers and civilians to share critical information that is used to overcome crime,” Gasana said.

The IGP added that Police partnerships have tremendously grown locally, regionally and internationally to include representations at the Interpol headquarters in Lyon, Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore, and the United Nations in New York, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi.

The Mayor of Kigali, Fidele Ndayisaba, commended the Police force for "breaking the traditional notion” that police does not cooperate with residents in socio-economic development activities.

"As we celebrate today, we must honour the men and women who risk their own safety to protect us from criminals and to ensure that we enjoy sustainable prosperity,” Ndayisaba said.

The Director of Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management, Wellars Gasamagera, who spoke on behalf of RNP’s partners in crime prevention, said Police had been successful in building trust which has enabled residents to freely cooperate in overcoming crime.

Key activities of the celebrations included the awarding of best performing district and sectors in security and hygiene in the City of Kigali for the last six months and individuals who distinguished themselves in community policing.

Kicukiro emerged as the best district in security and hygiene, and was awarded a pick-up vehicle.

Remera Sector in Gasabo District received two motorcycles as the best sector, while Kanombe in Kicukiro and Rwezamenyo in Nyarugenge received a motorcycle each after emerging second and third best, respectively.

David Hategikimana, a resident of Kicukiro, was awarded a motorcycle for his contributions toward community policing initiatives, particularly on radio discussions where he provided regular input. Adolph Mutangana of Gisozi, Gasabo, was recognised for providing timely information during a specific police operation.

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