{The annual activities to mark the Rwanda National Police anniversary launched on Tuesday in the Northern Province continued on the second day in the Western Province where thousands of residents gathered in Rubavu District on June 10 to join voices against crimes and further improve the country’s security as a foundation for development.
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The sixth edition dubbed ‘Police Week-2015 – 15 Years of Partnership in Policing’ seeks to strengthen awareness against crime, sensitise on trends and impact of crime to close the gap and improve the Police-public engagement.
It is also a time to celebrate achievements, support communities in socio-economic activities and appreciate the support of different players in policing.
The Minister of Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu, who presided over the ceremony, urged residents to be proactive in ensuring that their district is peaceful and secure at all times, by collaborating with Police through the timely delivery of information.
She was flanked by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana and attended by local officials and senior RNP officers.
Minister Uwacu urged parents to sturdily fight against drug abuse among the youth by counseling their children about the dangers involved in using drugs, and reminded residents to provide timely reports against criminals who smuggle drugs into the district.
Rubavu is among the districts where cases of drugs are considerably high, due to its strategic position.
“Rubavu is a border district – and this makes it more susceptible to smugglers who increase the risk of insecurity. This calls for proactive crime-prevention measures spearheaded by strong partnership between the residents and police,” she said.
“Police has indicated a high level of professionalism in overcoming crime to sustain the peace and security of Rwanda. This achievement is hinged on strong partnership with the public which is built on trust, accountability as well as good leaders who value cooperation and patriotism.”
In his remarks, IGP Gasana, noted that the Police-public information sharing has created an environment that is intolerant to criminality and facilities apprehension of suspected criminals.
“Since its establishment in 2000, RNP has grown both in numbers force and capabilities with officers that are skilled to perform effectively and efficiently during crime prevention and detection operations conducted throughout the country. It has also been through Community Policing, which is an integral part of modern crime-prevention, that RNP operations have been successful,” IGP Gasana said.
“After years of insecurity that culminated into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s current good leadership and RNP’s partnership with the public has led to a harmonious and sustainable environment for socio-economic growth and prosperity.”
Mayor of Rubavu, Jeremie Sinayobye, commended Police for engaging citizens in crime prevention and for actively participating in the wellbeing of communities through its support to cooperatives.
During the event, IGP Gasana handed over two cheques, each worth Rwf1 million, to fishing cooperatives operating in Rubavu and Rusizi, as part of RNP’s socioeconomic support to communities and promotion of security in the area finishing.
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