Kagame urges continued citizen-police partnership

President Paul Kagame has called for continued cooperation between citizens and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) given that peace and security have been the foundation of the progress and wellbeing achieved by Rwandans over the last few years. The Head of State was speaking yesterday in Kigali as he officiated at the celebrations to mark the 17th anniversary of the Rwanda National Police, which took place following the pass-out of officer cadets. The Rwandan Flag and the Rwanda National Police flag are raised high at the colourful ceremony. He thanked Police for having become a professional force in less than two decades having been formed in 2000 and its continuous resolve to professionalise further. âItâs obvious that our Police is relatively young and itâs still building itself but I would like to thank you for the good job you do as you also continue to build yourselves,â the President told top members of the police force, who were joined by thousands of citizens at Stade de Kigali in Nyamirambo for the celebrations. The officer cadets conducted an impressive parade as the Rwanda National Police celebrated its 17thÂ anniversary. He also urged citizens across the country to continue their partnership with the police to fight crime and promote more safety in their communities. âThe Police cannot succeed when working alone but it can achieve its goals when working in collaboration with citizens,â Kagame said. Senior police officers salute at the event at Stade de Kigali yesterday. Kagame added that the progress Rwanda has achieved to date and the wellbeing of the citizens of Rwanda are founded on security and stability. Preceding the anniversary celebrations, the Rwanda National Police commissioned 363 officer-cadets, who all graduated at the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police. Some of the police officers during the Forceâs 17thÂ anniversary and officer cadets pass-out celebrations in Kigali yesterday. The graduation followed about ten months of training, having started their course in August last year at the Police Training School in Gishari, Eastern Province. Some of the police officers during the Forceâs 17thÂ anniversary and officer cadets pass-out celebrations in Kigali yesterday. Over that period, the officers underwent special drills as well as practical and theoretical lectures to shape them into officers with skills that are relevant to the forceâs ambitions. Justice minister and Attorney General Johnston Busingye, under whose docket Police falls, awards one of the best performers. They covered both theoretical and practical courses in police operations and techniques, leadership, command and management, as well as skills at arms and drills. Police cadets help each other to reveal their newly acquired rank during the commissioning exercise. âConsidering the package they received and professional values instilled in them, there is no doubt that they will contribute a lot in making sure that people in Rwanda are safe, involved, and reassured,â Vianney Nshimiyimana, the commandant of Gishari Police Training School, said. Some of the officer cadets who were conferred upon the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police upon completion of a 10-month course yesterday. Nshimiyimana urged the commissioned officers on diligently providing their services to citizens and always staying loyal to the values and skills learned at the police training school. âThe pass-out is not an end in itself. Itâs rather the beginning of a long, hard, and challenging work ahead,â he said. A cross-section of parents and family members of the officer cadets beam at the pass-out ceremony for the officer cadets yesterday. Yesterdayâs celebrations were a chance for the police force to reflect on its milestones, achievements and strategies such as cooperation with the general public and bringing about more peace and safety in the country. The event was also attended by officers from different countries. The celebrations also marked the end of Police Week, a month-long exercise of community outreach activities that is held every year. Schoolchildren who belong to anti-crime clubs were also on hand to witness the event. This yearâs drive focused on connecting solar energy to thousands of households, providing clean water to different communities in the country, building bridges and community roads, and holding anti-crime campaigns among other activities. Senior Superintendent of Police M Ruhinda administers the oath of allegiance for the officer cadets. A group of artistes perform at the ceremony. Some of the members of the Community Policing Committees drawn from different parts of the country that attended the Rwanda National Police ceremony. It was all smiles as the Rwanda National Police marked its 17thÂ anniversary, a feat that coincided with the commissioning of 363 police cadets. A cross-section of members of the anti-crime clubs at the event. Police officers at the event. a Justice minister Johnston Busingye (centre), State Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs Evode Uwizeyimana (second left), Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana (second right), commandant of Police Training School (PTS) GISHARI CP Vianney NshimiyimanaÂ (right)Â and Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel Juvenal Marizamunda (left) in a group photo with the newly commissioned officer cadets at Stade de Kigali yesterday. Police officers salute at the anniversary celebrations. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Kagame urges continued citizen-police partnership