A total of 308 officers have retired from Rwanda National Police (RNP), including two Deputy Commissioners General of Police (DCGPs).

Those that have been retired also include eight commissioners, 38 senior officers, 62 junior officers, 156 Non-Commissioned Officers and 44 Police Constables.

Among those retired include DCGPs Stanley Nsabimana and Mary Gahonzire, and Commissioner of Police Cyprien Gatete, Assistant Commissioners of Police Dr Wilson Rubanzana, Sam Karemera, Francis Nkwaya, Joseph Rudasingwa and Jimmy Hodari.

The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, while delivering the President’s message at the official send-off party for the retired officers at the Police headquarters in Kacyiru on Wednesday, commended them for their sacrifice and devoted service to build their country and the police force in particular.

"Today, we are celebrating the sacrifices, integrity and patriotism you showcased in the transformation of your country,” the minister said.

Harerimana added: "The President commends you for your sacrifice and commitment in making Rwanda what it is today, whatever you will do after here should continue to depict the image of the country and institution you have built.”

"Your role in building Rwanda doesn’t end here; instead you are moving into another service. You are leaving active police to reserve force; you are still part of the winning family and this country still needs your services in other capacities.”

He urged them to continue serving as examples to the officers still in active service, whom he said continue to look up to them as role models, and called on them to use their experience to continue contributing to the country’s development agenda.

The minister also thanked their spouses and families for their perseverance, supporting and standing by the officers during their time in active service.

He further thanked RNP for the good policing performance which he said has enhanced safety and security for the country’s development and urged the Force to maintain the spirit of keeping in contact with all the retired officers.

Also present at the event was the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, Deputy IGPs Dan Munyuza (Operations) and Juvenal Marizamunda (Administration and Personnel), and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Security, Amb. Valens Munyabagisha.

Nsabimana, who spoke on behalf of the retired officers, thanked the Government and President Paul Kagame for the "visionary leadership” that made them who they are today.

"This country made us who we are today, we understood Rwandan values and we stood for them; although we are leaving today, Rwanda National Police is still our family that we will continue to be part of in other capacities and ready to serve and use our expertise once called upon,” Nsabimana said.

He recalled 16 years ago when RNP was created but faced various challenges in building a professional force.

"We believed and we achieved. Today, the Force stands firm serving Rwanda and beyond and we are proud to have been part of a focused and result-oriented family which we devote to continue serving even after here.”

The retired officers received certificates of merit in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring safety and security in Rwanda.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw