KIGALI - The Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, has appealed to motorcycle taxi operators to abide by traffic rules and be part of the country’s development process.

Gasana made the call yesterday while addressing about 1,500 operators from several parts of Kigali City, assembled under their umbrella organization; ATAMIMORWA and ASSETAMORWA.

Police statistics show that close to 70 percent of accidents registered in Kigali City since the beginning of this year were caused by motorcycles and the police boss cautioned them against breaking traffic rules.

He cautioned them against riding without licenses, trespassing and lack of hygiene. The Police chief urged the cyclists to respect their work and be law-abiding saying, "you cannot encounter any problem if you are at par with the law.”

"Development cannot be realized if there is no security, and the development you see now is because of the security we have in the country.”

He commended them for playing a major role in the road safety week which was part of the Police force’s preparations to mark its 10th anniversary and said this partnership should continue.

"We need to support each other in maintaining the security of our country,” Gasana said, urging them to be part of community policing and to give timely information to prevent crimes.

Gasana also appealed to the traffic police department to speed up issuing of driving licenses.

"It’s your right to have a permit, but it should be done transparently,” he said. "We are here to give you the services you need in order to facilitate your work.”

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