The second quarter of the 2015 Rwanda National Police High Council has emphasised the need to strengthen working relations with its partners and the general population in particular to further ensure public safety and security as a foundation for development.

Presiding over the Council on August 4, the Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, pointed out that Rwanda’s visionary leadership by President Paul Kagame "emphasizes people empowerment,” and called on the force to consider human security as paramount to the citizen’s well-being.

The Minister was flanked by the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, DIGPs Dan Munyuza of Operations and Juvenal Marizamunda of Administration and Personnel.

"The duty of RNP is to protect Rwandans from individuals or groups that intend to harm them and cause insecurity to both lives and property. The Police Force has come a long way to ensure that rule of law is respected, however, we need to continue on this path of fruitful partnerships that promote collaboration in ensuring safety and peace,” Minister Harerimana said.

"Through Community Policing, RNP has been able to help and bring on board many residents understand their role in overcoming crime. Therefore, this strategy should always be looked at in the aspect of advancing human security and improving the lives of Rwandans.”

In his remarks, IGP Gasana, on behalf of RNP, appreciated the "continued strategic guidance and support the force gets from His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of Security Forces; the strategic policy direction given by the Minister of Internal Security from which the force draws its strategic actions.”

"The socio-economic transformation of Rwanda is built on good leadership, peace and security, which has provided an enabling secure environment for economic activities to be conducted free from any security threat.” IGP Gasana said.

He highlighted the role played by partners in crime prevention such as the ‘ambassadors in crime prevention; the anti-crime clubs in schools, youth volunteers in crime prevention and Community Policing Committees among others, who have been instrumental in turning back crime in societies.

The Council also emphasized on measures to combat corruption, and recognized officers who have demonstrated professional conduct to desist bribery attempts and instead arrested the offenders who attempt to bribe them. Two police officers; Inspector of Police Juliet Sanyu and Chief Sgt. Enock Butera were recognised on behalf of others, for their outstanding professional conduct against graft.

More than 200 people, majority drivers, have been arrested since September last year for attempting to bribe police officers to acquire illegal services or buy their way out of unlawful activities.

"Police officers should be professional, exhibit royalty and be efficient at all times in order to build public trust.

Force discipline is paramount in crime reduction; therefore, we should always refrain from anything that tarnished the image of our country but work as patriots serving our nation.”

He encouraged members of the Police High Council to uphold the norms and values of RNP and emphasized close follow up of the establishment of Police Stations at the Sector level to further take services closer to the people.

The Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, who was also invited to address the Council, noted that the vision of Rwanda is based on a strong ideology of unity and values of dignity.

"These are also founded on security, which RNP and its partners have fought so hard to maintain. Police and the Local Government have the duty to ensure Rwanda’s vision is achieved because they work closely with the residents. In order to succeed in protecting the values of unity, all government institutions and Rwandans must work together to achieve a common goal of sustainable development,” he said.

The Council resolved to scale up the security and hygiene campaign to the other parts of the country;‎ conduct a road safety awareness campaign next week to further improve on the road security status; enhance the fight against graft, school drop-outs and establish strategies for easy and timely communication with local leaders and public to prevent crimes.

The security and hygiene campaign is a joint initiative by RNP and the City of Kigali has proven very effective in improving the welfare of the public.

The Police High Council is the supreme organ of RNP bringing together commissioners heading various departments, commanders of units, regional and district commanders, seniors and junior officers as well as representatives of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from all territorial and specialized police units.

The quarterly convention evaluates the implementation of resolutions, identifies success, challenges and devises new strategies aimed at excelling in law enforcement duties.

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