Security meeting stresses military role in socio-economic transformation

History has demonstrated that there has been no economic transformation that didn’t have the involvement of the military. Col Jeannot Ruhunga, the Secretary General of Rwanda Investigation Bureau made the remarks during the closing of the 9th National Security Symposium. Organised by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, the symposium has been taking place at Intare Conference Arena for the past three days, and has been attended by senior military officers and experts from different African countries. It offered to discuss contemporary security issues. Col Ruhunga said the military should subscribe to the involvement in the socio-economic transformation of the country. African countries today are facing more critical wars, engaging the military in the national transformation is key. During the final panel discussion that tackled the role of the African security forces in national development and societal development, military officers, security experts and other academicians tackled the need for activities that bring together military personnel and the people they serve. To achieve this, they were sensitized to embark on military owned enterprises and other socio-economic activities that promote the wellbeing of the population. Such activities were said to promote their social fabrics with the people. Major General (Rtd) Frank Mugambage, Acting Reserve Force Chief of Staff called on senior officers to establish bonds with people through various activities aimed at enhancing their wellbeing. “The combat exclusively belongs to the servicemen, but it doesn’t mean soldiers should work alone. They should work with communities, engage officials and invest in activities that link them up with the people,” he noted. Neglecting that fact, he added, could turn into a serious challenge. So, we should keep in mind that more socio-economic activities spark trust and confidence from the army to the people so that they stop running away but towards us. Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Defence Forces often engage in activities to enhance societal transformation, these include but not limited to construction of houses for the vulnerable population, provision of solar energy gadgets and blood donation. The changing face of security issues Security experts stressed their role in economic transformation not only towards the creation of social fabrics with people, but with the changing face of security issues. Senior Superintendent Jean Damascene Katabarwa, a student from Nyakinama Staff and Command College highlighted how insecurity is changing, unlike the past where this meant wars, today insecurity can mean food scarcity. “Poverty is a threat to the national security, because poorest areas are most of the times terrorism bases, vulnerable people can easily be dragged in armed groups,” highlighted Commissioner Christopher Bizimungu, the Commander of UN Police component in the Central African Republic. Lt. Colonel George Nyalugwe from Malawi shared some of his key takeaways, noting that the symposium has been a very igniting element and has broadened his understanding on various elements of security matters. “We have learnt that the wider human security has changed from the traditional security to a wider context of food security and cyber security, so it is impactful for me as a senior officer in the military to know this,” he expressed. The National Security Symposium is an annual summit that brings together academicians, government officials and subject matter experts including Generals and Senior Military Officers to discuss contemporary security issues.

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Security meeting stresses military role in socio-economic transformation