Commissioner General of Police (CGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, yesterday, officially handed over to the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) DCG Dan Munyuza.
The official handover held at Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru was presided over by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye.
It was also graced by the State Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Evode Uwizeyimana, , Deputy IGPs; CP Felix Namuhoranye in charge of Operations and DCG Juvenal Marizamunda for Administration and Personnel; Prosecutor General Jean Bosco Mutangana, Secretary General-Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Jeannot Ruhunga and, the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General, Beata Mukeshimana among others.
Minister Busingye commended His Excellency the President of the Republic for appointing the new leadership and continued guidance to RNP.
He further commended the outgoing Police Chief, who was also appointed the Governor of Southern Province, for his dedication, sacrifice, loyalty and personality during his period at the helm of the Police Force.
"Leadership is like a relay baton handed over from one person to another but with a common cause; to drive the vision and mission to the expectations of the citizenry,” Minister Busingye said.
Building a professional Police force, he said, is a long journey that requires sacrifice, commitment, teamwork and being actionable as an individual and collectively.
He noted that what Rwandans expect from their Police is to feel safe at all times as they go about their business and urged the new Inspector General to build from "a lot that has been achieved to achieve a lot more.”
IGP Munyuza also thanked His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda for having confidence in him. He also thanked his predecessor for his commitment and the spirit of teamwork in building the force to where it is today.
"We have worked together for about five years, a period during which we took decisions together, worked as a team and achieved a lot together. This spirit of teamwork, commitment, working together to achieve a lot more and a quality force continues,” IGP Munyuza said.
He also said that they will continue to enhance police - community partnership to address the pressing issues of illicit drugs, human trafficking, child abuse, corruption and gender based violence, among others.
On his part, the outgoing Police Chief, who was also appointed the Governor of Southern Province, thanked the His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda for his support and guidance during his tenure and pledged allegiance in other capacities in driving the vision of the country.
He also thanked the line ministry, Police leadership and all men and women in service as well as all partners for having owned the process throughout the journey together.
"Local government is one of the key partners in policing, and that means I am still part of you towards a crime-free society and reassuring Rwandans of their safety,” the outgoing Police Chief said.