MUHANGA— The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has commended the Muhanga security cooperative (Coopevemu) for its efforts in maintaining security in Nyamabuye Sector.

The head of RDRC in the province, Frodouard Habyiyaremye, made the comments on Tuesday after inspecting 147 Coopevemu security guards, and assessing their activities at Muhanga stadium.

The new security cooperative is mostly comprised of demobilised soldiers and civilians.  It operates in 24 villages in Nyamabuye, guarding both residents and property.

The guards also undertake night patrols formerly conducted by residents. Their operations have also been lauded by local leaders for especially stemming out dubious activities in areas of Ruvumera and Gahogo cells.

Habyiyaremye promised the members RDRC’s support in capacity building, while enabling the cooperative to attain legal status and security jobs countrywide.

He also called for accountability, integrity and, being exemplary and cooperation from local leaders and residents. 
Vincent Nkurikiyinka, the Coopevemu official said funds was their biggest undoing.

"The cooperative currently lacks funds to pay workers and this has been caused by some local leaders’ resistance to the operations of the cooperative, especially in encouraging residents to contribute their financial dues,” he said.

Local official also hailed the guards for their role in implementing security. The officials advised the cooperative members to ‘think big’ and create income generating projects to sustain them.

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