Regulating private security firms long overdue

Rwanda’s stance on the security of its citizens is folklore on the continent. The country remains the envy of most African governments and nationals, yet if there is any room, it cannot be for letting our guard down, but, rather, for seeking more satisfaction in what is on offer.With community policing being one of the salient drivers of national security, a loophole exists in the scope of private security companies, mainly because of lack of a proper regulatory framework.Because security relies heavily on coordination, private security firms have an important role to play alongside national security organs as well as community policing personnel and local leaders. But it appears in the current format where private security firms are regulated by the legal frameworks of business, they are lacking in scope and weak in their roles.Any society would be appalled if a crime was being committed across the fence and private guards at the other end shrugged their shoulders, citing limited jurisdiction. Also, an armed guard who sleeps on duty because he is hungry is a security risk.That is why the new Bill seeking to regulate the operations of these firms is long overdue. The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Fazil Harerimana, who tabled the Bill before Parliament on Tuesday, says it will end unprofessional conducts like guards stealing from their clients and getting away with it.We cannot emphasise it better. The Bill will also benefit individual guards by laying a clear framework for their broader terms with employers.

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Regulating private security firms long overdue