Efforts to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism in Eastern Africa have taken center stage following the opening of a high-level meeting of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) in Kigali.

The two-day meeting was officially inaugurated by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Secretary General Pacifique Kabanda, who called on regional law enforcement leaders to deepen collaboration and adopt practical strategies to address evolving security threats.

The gathering brings together senior police officials from across the region, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing intelligence sharing, and developing coordinated responses to cross-border crimes and extremist activities.

In his opening remarks, Kabanda acknowledged the progress made by EAPCCO in fostering regional cooperation, noting that joint initiatives have improved the collective capacity of member states to respond to complex security challenges.

He urged participants to fully leverage the meeting as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and identifying innovative solutions. Emphasizing unity and shared responsibility, he encouraged delegates to recommit to the organization’s core values of collaboration, service, and regional solidarity.

The meeting is expected to yield actionable recommendations aimed at reinforcing security frameworks and enhancing joint operations, as Eastern African nations continue to confront increasingly sophisticated criminal networks and security threats.