Rwanda, Burundi Police chiefs seek stronger cooperation

The Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana and his Burundian counterpart André Ndayambaje met yesterday in Ngozi Province of Burundi and discussed various policing cooperation areas. The meeting was in line with the existing memorandum of understanding signed between the two neighbouring forces, last year. It was also attended by senior police officers from the two forces. IGP Gasana commended the achievements registered by the two forces so far especially in combating cross-border crimes, capacity building and exchange of information and criminals. He outlined fighting human trafficking, terrorism, joint training and information sharing as key areas that should be given much emphasis to ensure safety and security of citizens in the two countries. The Director-General of the Burundi National Police, Ndayambaje also noted that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries forces has been instrumental in curbing crimes across the two borders. He also thanked Rwanda National Police for training Burundi Police personnel in various policing fields. A contingent of 140 police officers, last year, acquired training in peacekeeping at the RNP Peace Support training centre in Gishari, while others were part of the first and second intake of the Senior Command and Staff course at the National Police College in Musanze District. During the meeting, a number of resolutions were also adopted. They include cooperation in responding to fire incidents, public order management, enhancing human trafficking counter-measures, sharing the existing I-24/7 communication network.