The Rwanda National Police (RNP) yesterday marked the International Workers’ Day, with a call to be zealous to their tasks to accomplish the force’s mandate.

The celebrations, held at the police headquarters in Kacyiru, began with a minute of silence to pay tribute to police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, who presided over the event, acknowledged the departed comrades’ contribution to realise the mission of the force, adding that the RNP "will not let them down.”

Gasana outlined capacity building, international cooperation, community policing, welfare support and IT-led policing as some of the force’s key priorities, and thanked the officers for their enthusiasm and hard work in executing their duties, which he said has led to crime reduction, laid concrete measures against crimes and laid a solid ground for safety and peace building in the country.

"This is a day to improve on working conditions and professionalise the police,” he said. 

The event brought together officers from various departments and specialised units.

Chief Superintendent (CSP) Vincent Sano, the Commissioner of Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D) in RNP, said the professionalism of the force has created conducive atmosphere that has attracted more Rwandans to join the force.

CSP Sano said 1500 new recruits will soon start training.

He said RNP is engaged in various welfare schemes for the officers, professional courses, education and face-lifting Musanze Police College and Police Training School in Gishari to handle more police disciplines. 

Meanwhile, Gasana disclosed that on May 23, a foundation stone for the construction of Africa’s’ Security Organs Centre for Coordination of Action to end Violence against Women and Girls, will be laid.

The UN secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, is expected to preside over the occasion.