We are confident countries harboring fugitives will cooperate – Police boss

KIGALI - Yesterday, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) published a press release on the role in enforcing the court verdict against four Rwandan convicted criminal fugitives (Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, Theogene Rudasingwa, Patrick Karegeya and Gerald Gahima). The New Times’ Charles Kwizera caught up with the Police Chief Emmanuel Gasana for a detailed interview Qn: What was the essence of publishing the press release? A: The release was meant to inform the general public and all Rwandans, wherever they are, about the status of the four criminals after court convicted and sentenced them. The police has the mandate to enforce the law, and in this case, we are required to track down the mentioned criminals and ensure that they are brought back in the country to serve their sentences. Qn: Why did you have to use Interpol? A: It is because Rwanda is a member of the international organization which is charged with the coordination of activities related to transnational and cross-border crimes and to arrest criminal fugitives in accordance to its article 2 of the constitution that governs it, where member states are obliged to assist each other within the limits of laws. Among the crimes that Interpol deals with include human trafficking, drug trafficking, car-jacking, and terrorism. It is in this regard therefore that the Rwanda police requested member countries to cooperate and arrest the criminals. Qn: How confident are you that the countries where the fugitives are, will cooperate? A: We have done our part of communicating to these countries that have the criminals who were convicted and sentenced in Rwanda. So we are very confident that this will happen because it is not the first time, similar cases have happened before. We also have other means through which we exchange criminals like the Eastern African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) that cooperate with other regional police organizations and other bilateral police co-operations through which the criminals can be extradited to Rwanda. Qn: Are there examples where you have received criminals under these arrangements? A: Yes, through the fugitive tracking department, we have been able to receive criminals, including those sought for Genocide related crimes, from neighbouring countries, the US and Europe. Rwanda has also been able to send criminals who are wanted by justice in Interpol member countries. Qn: Are the fugitives related to the insecurity that rocked Kigali at the beginning of last year? A: Yes, they were charged with disturbing public order and threatening state security, which stem from the grenade attacks that took place in Kigali last year. Qn: How do you describe the security situation in the country now? A: The security situation is excellent and we are confident that it shall remain stable and this is enhanced by the existing strong partnership of the police with other security organs and the community. Ends