BUJUMBURA – The Minister of Internal Security, Musa Fazil Harelimana has called upon East African Community (EAC) partner States to work together towards achieving the objectives of the bloc.

Harelimana said this over the weekend in Bujumbura, Burundi where he represented Rwanda in the third EAC Inter-Security Council meeting.

"The objectives of this council are to forge initiatives and set priorities aimed at achieving security and stability in the region which is in line with the overall vision of EAC which is to build a peaceful, secure and politically stable bloc.” he said.

"It is only with secure nations, routes, ports and borders and politically stable societies that other regional initiatives can take root,” he added.

He observed that the region has for a long time experienced instabilities. He called for bold measures in dealing with cross border security challenges such as arms proliferation, cyber crimes, drug and human trafficking among others that are still a stumbling block to a stable region.

"Much as we are committed to regional joint projects, it’s also equally important to encourage bilateral initiatives even at lower administrative levels between neighboring countries as a way of building confidence among our subordinates hence addressing immediate issues.”

Rwanda, he said is much committed and at the forefront in having EAC initiatives a reality. The meeting brought together Partner States’ Ministries in charge of internal affairs, security agencies and disaster management among others.

The meeting aimed at consideration of the progress reports on the conclusions of EAC peace and security protocol, progress on Early Warning Mechanism, drug and human trafficking and motor vehicle theft in the partner states.

The event was also part of this year’s African Union Year of Peace that was also launched in EAC in a function also held in Bujumbura.

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