Police hail dev’t partners

KIGALI - The National Police and its Development Partners yesterday signed a Board of Recognition document aimed at appreciating the role played by the donors in boosting the force. The signing that also marked the commencement of activities to mark the ten years of the National Police, was presided over by the Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana. Ten representatives of the donor community, the civil society and the private sector signed the document. The country, yesterday, witnessed celebrations of the force’s 10th anniversary with several activities taking place across the city and countryside. The two months of activities were inaugurated at the Police headquarters by the Commissioner General of Police and the Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana. Gasana said; “since establishment in 2000, the police number has increased over time to constitution a police: Population ratio of 1:1600 as compared to what we started with of 1:24000” He added that crime has reduced by 25 percent while strengthening the police professionalism has been obtained in various fields. “The police is now operating in five countries; Sudan, Haiti, Liberia Ivory Coast and Chad, and it is now preparing to send 150 female officers to Darfur and Haiti,” Gasana said. He also highlighted several other achievements of the force and added that the police would not have accomplished its achievements if it wasn’t for the good governance and support from the central government. The celebrations kicked off with the road safety campaign which was marked mainly by issuing car stickers with special messages to road users and repainting of zebra crossings. The zebra crossing repainting commenced from the City centre where the Mayor of Kigali City, Dr Aisa Kirabo Kakira, called on road users to obey traffic rules. “The City Council will avail any support to help the police execute its duties,” said Kirabo. The Minster of Infrastructure, Vincent Karega, said that maintaining road safety is for the benefit of the people and future generations. He promised to avail resources to upgrade roads around the country. As a body charged with safeguarding the rule of law and provision of a safe, crime free environment for all, the force has organised various activities countrywide to mark its 10th birthday. Under the theme, “Celebrating 10 years of dynamic policing, serving the community with integrity,” the event is not only celebrating ten years of the existence of the young force, but also to showcase achievements registered so far regarding professionalism in implementing the rule of law. The celebrations are set to last two months and final activities will be held on 16th June 2010 at the Amahoro Stadium. Ends