Fight against terrorism needs joint efforts, says Airports chief

The Director General of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), Richard Masozera, has pointed out that terrorism is a world security threat that needs to be jointly tackled. “Terrorists attacked Mombasa two days ago and Nairobi was also frustrated by similar attacks days before. This should alert security organs in the country especially as what happens in Kenya may also happen in our country,” Masozera said..He was addressing airport security officers who were taking part in a five-day training dubbed “Excellence in Screening Techniques”. “We want to ensure that airport unit officers get knowledge and skills that will enable them to use modern equipment that in the end will lead to tight security at the airport,” said Masozera.He commended the continued partnership with Rwanda National Police (RNP) which organised the training in collaboration with RCAA.The training in which started yesterday at the police headquarters in Kacyiru, brings together 46 officers drawn from both RNP and Rwanda Defence Forces. Throughout the week long exercise, trainees will be taken through training in security awareness, screening check point overview, X-ray operation, physical property search, video show, among others. Emmanuel Butera, the Commissioner of Operations and Public Order at RNP, urged course participants to take it seriously saying the skills will enable them to serve professionally and contribute significantly to the country’s security.John Otieno Kandere, an Aviation Security Training Coordinator (AVSEC) and an instructor at the East African School of Aviation, appreciated RNP’s invitation to come and share experience with the airport security officers.“You cannot make a distinction between a terrorist and a normal passenger at the Airport,” Kandere said while emphasising the need for airport security officers to get skills in screening techniques. The East African School of Aviation currently operates from Kenya, South Africa and Senegal200 more members of joint forces are expected to undergo a similar training in the near future.