Rwanda, South Sudan police seek stronger ties

The Inspector General of Police of the world’s newest nation, South Sudan, Acuil Tito Madut, is in the country for a three-day visit aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.As part of his itinerary, General Madut yesterday paid a courtesy call on Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana at Rwanda Police headquarters in Kacyiru, Kigali.The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two heads of Police institutions in May this year.Madut noted that the partnership was valuable to his country due to Rwanda police’s vast experience that normally manifests itself through its professional response to maintenance of peace, not only within, but also around the world.“The visit is important because it is meant to enhance and quickly move the implementation of the bilateral agreement. The aspects which were not accomplished have been ironed out,” he added.“The agreement needs to be blessed by our political leadership and implementation will start immediately,” noted Madut.Gasana commended his counterpart for honouring the invitation which he said served as a follow up on the implementation of recommendations previously signed by the two law enforcement agencies.“This is more or less a diplomatic security. So I look at this situation as a win-win situation because both nations have come far and are trying to build their (respective) security institutions,” he pointed out.“I hope this visit will go along the way to enhance and cement our relationship. I believe that you will try to interact with our Police and find out the common solutions to crimes such that we can pursue our MoU without any hindrance.” As members of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) and Interpol, the two countries entered into a pact in which the Rwanda National Police would support the South Sudan Police Force. Other areas of cooperation include training in road safety, basic investigations, advanced investigations, intelligence basic, ICT and communication skills, public order management, junior supervisory course and training of trainers.According to Madut, trainers will be selected from the Rwanda Police to provide necessary training to their South Sudan counterparts .“This will make South Sudan Police cope with emerging crimes and also cooperate with the Police in the region in order to bring about stability to the region and allow South Sudan citizens to move freely,” Madut noted.Madut and his delegation later visited Zigama Credit and Savings Society (CSS) and Gishali Police Training School.He will wind up his visit with a tour of the National Police Academy in Musanze District.